Lobophytum

Lobophytum, commonly known as Devil's Hand coral or lobed leather coral, is a hardy and fast-growing soft coral with thick, fleshy lobes extending from a broad base. The distinctive finger-like projections and rubbery texture make them instantly recognisable. Place them in the mid-section of your tank under moderate PAR (75–200 PAR) with moderate flow. Standard reef parameters work well: alkalinity 7.5–9 dKH, calcium 400–440 ppm, and temperature 25–27°C. Lobophytum are extremely tolerant and adapt to a wide range of conditions.

Like other leather corals, Lobophytum periodically shed a waxy coating from their surface. During shedding, the polyps retract and the coral appears glossy and somewhat distressed — this is completely normal and should resolve within a few days. Moderate flow helps the shedding process. Lobophytum release terpenes that can negatively affect sensitive SPS corals, so running quality activated carbon is strongly recommended in mixed reef tanks. They are semi-aggressive through chemical warfare rather than physical stinging, and can inhibit the growth of nearby stony corals over time.

Fragging Lobophytum is straightforward — cut lobes from the colony with a sharp blade or scalpel, and secure frags to plugs with rubber bands or toothpicks. They heal and attach quickly, often within a couple of weeks. Growth is rapid, and a healthy Lobophytum can become an impressive centrepiece specimen within a year or two. They are widely available from Australian coral retailers at affordable prices. Devil's Hand corals are excellent for filling mid-level space in soft coral gardens and mixed reefs, and their dramatic, sculptural form adds character to any aquascape.