Lobophyllia Brain Coral

Lobophyllia Brain Coral Care: A Colorful LPS for Your Reef

The Lobophyllia Brain Coral is a hardy, large-polyp stony (LPS) coral prized for its bold colors and meaty, folded appearance. It’s an excellent choice for reef keepers who want a showpiece coral without the demanding care requirements of many SPS species.

Found on reef slopes and lagoons, Lobophyllia adapts well to a variety of aquarium conditions as long as you provide stable parameters and respect its powerful sweeper tentacles.

Tank Requirements & Placement

Before adding a Lobophyllia Brain Coral to your reef, make sure your system is mature and stable. This coral prefers a calm, nutrient-balanced environment.

  • Tank size: 20+ gallons for a single colony; more volume offers better stability.
  • Lighting: Low to moderate PAR (75–150). Start in lower light and gradually move it brighter if needed.
  • Flow: Low to moderate, indirect flow that keeps tissue gently moving without blasting the polyps.
  • Placement: On the sand bed or a stable rock ledge where it can fully expand without touching neighbors.

Maintain consistent water parameters for best coloration and growth:

  • Temperature: 76–79°F (24–26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.025–1.026 SG
  • Alkalinity: 8–9.5 dKH
  • Calcium: 400–450 ppm
  • Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm
  • Nitrate/Phosphate: Low but detectable (not ULNS)

Feeding & Day-to-Day Care

Lobophyllia Brain Coral is photosynthetic but benefits greatly from supplemental feeding. Well-fed colonies tend to show fuller polyp extension and faster growth.

  • Target feed 1–2 times per week with meaty foods like mysis shrimp or specialized LPS pellets.
  • Feed after lights dim, when feeding tentacles are extended.
  • Turn off or reduce flow briefly to help the coral capture food.

Be cautious with neighbors. Lobophyllia can extend long sweeper tentacles at night and sting nearby corals. Leave several inches of space around the colony and monitor for any tissue recession or aggression.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

Most issues with Lobophyllia Brain Coral come from instability or excessive light and flow:

  • Tissue recession: Often linked to swings in alkalinity, salinity, or temperature. Test regularly and correct slowly.
  • Bleaching or fading: Usually a sign of too much light; move the coral to a shaded area and reduce intensity gradually.
  • Brown jelly or infection: Siphon affected tissue, perform an iodine or coral dip, and improve flow and water quality.

Tip: Always acclimate Lobophyllia to new lighting using a screen or by starting it on the sand bed and moving it up over 1–2 weeks.

If you’re planning a mixed LPS reef, consider pairing your Lobophyllia Brain Coral with other moderate-care species discussed in our LPS coral care guide. For stocking ideas and compatibility, visit our beginner reef tank stocking article. You can also explore more coral profiles in our coral care library to build a balanced, thriving display.