Common name: Devil's Hand Leather Coral

General information

Lobophytum crassum, commonly known as the Devil's Hand Leather Coral, is a species of soft coral that is popular among reef aquarium enthusiasts for its unique appearance and ease of care. This coral is characterized by its lobed, hand-like structures that can vary in color from green to brown, often with lighter polyp tips. It is a hardy species that can adapt to a range of lighting conditions, making it suitable for various tank setups.

Care

Devil's Hand Leather Coral is considered a good choice for beginner to intermediate aquarists due to its hardiness. It thrives in moderate to high lighting and moderate water flow. While it can tolerate less intense lighting, providing a spectrum that includes actinic blue light can enhance its coloration. It's important to give this coral space to grow, as it can expand significantly and may shade or sting neighboring corals with its sweeper tentacles during the night.

Feeding is not strictly necessary as Lobophytum crassum benefits from the symbiotic zooxanthellae within its tissue, which provide nutrients through photosynthesis. However, occasional feeding with microplankton or other coral foods can promote growth and vitality.

Symbiosis

While Lobophytum crassum does not have notable symbiotic relationships like those seen in clownfish and anemones, its structure provides shelter and habitat for a variety of small reef creatures, such as amphipods and copepods, which in turn can benefit fish that feed on these microorganisms.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Devil's Hand Leather Coral is the Indo-Pacific region, where it is commonly found on reef slopes and lagoons. It prefers areas with moderate water movement and can be found at various depths, often attaching itself to substrate or overhangs where it can receive ample light.