Blue Lobophyllia Coral

Blue Lobophyllia Coral

Overview

Blue Lobophyllia Coral shows fleshy, lobed polyps with deep valleys and blue tones. Lobophyllia hemprichii is a large-polyp stony coral that prefers moderate light and gentle to moderate water flow. It is photosynthetic via symbiotic algae but benefits from occasional small meaty feedings, which can support faster growth and maintain color. Give it space from neighbors due to long sweeper tentacles, and place it on stable substrate to prevent tissue damage.

Quick Facts

Care Moderate
Lighting Low–Moderate
Flow Low–Moderate
Placement Low–Mid
Temperament Aggressive (6–8 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 1250–1350 ppm
Feeding photosynthetic, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped shrimp/clam/fish, small krill pieces, copepods, zooplankton, coral-specific powdered foods, microplankton, marine snow

Care & Placement

Blue Lobophyllia Coral (Lobophyllia hemprichii) thrives under moderate light and gentle, indirect flow. Aim for PAR around 80–150; start lower and increase over 1–2 weeks to avoid bleaching. Provide low to mid-level placement on the sand bed or a stable lower rock ledge with soft, rolling flow to keep detritus from settling without lifting tissue. Feed 2–3 times weekly with small meaty foods (mysis, chopped seafood, reef pellets), ideally at dusk when feeding tentacles extend; target feeding supports growth and fuller polyp inflation. Maintain stable water: temperature 76–80°F, salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1280–1400 ppm. Use reliable test kits and a refractometer; this species reacts poorly to rapid swings, especially in alkalinity and salinity.Give 4–6 inches of space from neighbors; at night it can send out long sweeper tentacles and sting nearby corals. It is semi-aggressive but generally peaceful if spaced well. Acclimate with a slow drip (30–60 minutes) and light acclimation; inspect and dip if needed to prevent pests. Watch for tissue recession (often from unstable alkalinity, excessive light, or abrasive flow) and for brown jelly—improve flow, siphon waste, and consider an iodine dip if infection appears. If color fades, reduce light and increase feedings; if tissue lifts, lower flow and check for sharp rock edges that can cut flesh. Keep the base clean and movable so you can adjust placement as the colony expands.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Blue Lobophyllia Coral

  • Why does my Blue Lobophyllia inflate during the day but extend long feeders after lights out, and how should I feed around this?
    It inflates to maximize light, then deploys feeding tentacles at dusk when plankton cues rise. Target-feed small meaty foods (mysis, chopped clam, reef roids) 2–3 times weekly when tentacles are out. Use a feeding dome or turn off pumps briefly to prevent shrimp from stealing. Place on sand or a smooth ledge to avoid tissue abrasion during inflation.
  • My coral’s blue tones are fading to teal/brown—what settings help keep the blue?
    Aim for moderate PAR (80–150) with a blue-heavy spectrum (peaks around 420–460 nm). Keep nutrients detectable (NO3 ~5–15 ppm, PO4 ~0.03–0.10 ppm); ultra-low levels wash out color. Maintain stable alkalinity and check potassium (380–420 mg/L), which influences blue hues. Avoid sudden light increases; ramp intensity over 2–3 weeks after any change.
  • What’s the best way to handle rim recession after shipping or a parameter swing?
    Inspect for vermetid snails or sharp edges and increase gentle, indirect flow under the rim to keep detritus off. Dip in iodine or broad-spectrum coral dip if tissue looks slimy. Reduce light temporarily, stabilize alkalinity (8–9 dKH), and keep nutrients non-zero. If brown jelly appears, frag away affected areas and siphon/remove daily; carbon and extra aeration help.
  • How aggressive is this coral at night, and what spacing is prudent?
    It can extend short sweepers and deploy mesenterial filaments that burn neighbors. Leave 3–6 inches of space, more downcurrent. Strong feeding can ramp up aggression, so watch adjacent LPS. Avoid direct flow that whips tentacles into other corals. If contact occurs, move opponents or use rock islands; running carbon reduces chemical stress after sting events.