Banana Lobophyllia Coral

Banana Lobophyllia Coral

Overview

Banana Lobophyllia Coral shows fleshy, lobed polyps with bright yellow to green tones. Lobophyllia hemprichii is a large-polyp stony coral that forms meaty, cup-like colonies; it prefers moderate lighting and low to moderate, gentle water flow. It relies on symbiotic algae for energy but benefits from occasional meaty foods, which can support faster growth and deeper coloration. Place on the sandbed or a stable ledge with space around it, as its sweeper tentacles can sting nearby corals at night.

Quick Facts

Care Moderate
Lighting Low–Moderate
Flow Moderate, indirect
Placement Low–Mid
Temperament Aggressive (4–6 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F
pH 8.1–8.4
Salinity 1.025–1.026
Calcium 400–450 ppm
AlkAlkalinity 8–10 dKH
Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm
Feeding photosynthetic, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped krill, chopped clam, finely chopped prawn, zooplankton, marine snow, coral-specific foods

Care & Placement

Banana Lobophyllia Coral (Lobophyllia hemprichii) thrives in stable, nutrient-moderate systems with gentle conditions. Provide moderate light (PAR 80–150), acclimating slowly with screen or shaded placement to prevent bleaching; use a PAR meter if available. Aim for low to moderate, indirect flow—enough to keep tissue clean and prevent detritus buildup without whipping the fleshy polyps. Feed small meaty foods (mysis, chopped clam, reef pellets) 2–3 times weekly, ideally after lights dim when feeding tentacles extend; pause pumps for 20–30 minutes. Target parameters: temperature 76–80°F (24–27°C), pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.025–1.026, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 400–460 ppm, magnesium 1250–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm. Test weekly and avoid rapid swings, especially in alkalinity.Place low to mid in the tank on a sand bed or smooth rock ledge; protect the fleshy base from sharp rock. Space 3–6 inches from neighbors—this coral extends sweeper tentacles at night and can sting. Generally compatible with other LPS when spaced; watch for nipping fish (dwarf angels, butterflies). Acclimate with a 30–45 minute drip and a coral dip to reduce pests. Common issues: bleaching from sudden light increase (reduce intensity, shorten photoperiod), recession from excess flow or unstable alkalinity (adjust flow, stabilize dosing), and brown jelly or flatworms (isolate, siphon, perform iodine-based dip). Use a turkey baster weekly to blow off debris, and maintain stable, clean but not ultra-sterile water for best growth and color.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Banana Lobophyllia Coral

  • How do I keep the “banana” yellow from fading to green or brown in Lobophyllia hemprichii?
    Maintain moderate PAR (80–150), a balanced 12–14K spectrum with strong violet/UV (400–430 nm), and avoid excessive deep-blue dominance. Keep nutrients measurable (NO3 5–15 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.08 ppm); ultra-low levels or high nutrients both shift color. Stable alkalinity (8–9 dKH) and regular iron/iodine traces help. Rotate the coral monthly to prevent shaded tissue from paling.
  • My Banana Lobo inflates dramatically and sheds slime—normal or a stress sign?
    Periodic inflation and mucus shedding are normal cleaning behaviors, especially after feeding or minor irritation. If inflation is constant, check for vermetid snails, sand abrasion, or direct flow. Reduce particulate irritation, reposition for gentle, indirect flow, and inspect for stinging neighbors. A brief iodine dip can calm irritated tissue if symptoms persist.
  • What’s the safest way to frag this species’ thick, lobed skeleton?
    Map the valleys between polyp lobes and cut only through bare skeleton using a diamond saw or Dremel; never through fleshy tissue. Rinse fragments, apply a coral putty dam to protect cut edges, then heal in low light and moderate flow for 1–2 weeks. An iodine or dilute H2O2 dip helps deter bacterial invasion. Feed lightly during recovery.
  • Why is tissue receding from the underside while the top looks fine?
    Underside recession often comes from sand chafing, vermetid snail webs, or shadowed stagnant zones. Elevate slightly on a low stand or ring of rubble, trim vermetids, and increase gentle crossflow under the rim. Check alkalinity stability and nighttime pH; swings can trigger slow recession. Target feed small portions at lights-out to support regrowth.