© Zarinah Waheed, Francesca Benzoni, Sancia E. T. van der Meij, Tullia Isotta Terr / CC BY 4.0Lithophyllon Coral
Lithophyllon Coral belongs to the mushroom coral family (Fungiidae), yet it stays fixed to rock instead of living free on the sand. It spreads as an encrusting sheet or as a flat plate with wavy edges. It has no single central mouth, and many mouths are scattered across its surface. Its color changes with where it comes from: dark green or brown in the north of its range, and deep blue with conspicuous white mouths in the south. Spreading as a crust or plate, it makes a striking display piece. It is rated for intermediate keepers, so it suits someone who already has a stable reef tank.
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Lithophyllon Coral key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- Little data available
- Size
- Up to about 25 cm (Reeflex)
- Temperature
- 24〜27℃
- Diet
- Photosynthesis (zooxanthellae) plus plankton
- Lighting
- It hosts zooxanthellae (Reeflex). LPS generally prefer low to moderate light (AlgaeBarn), so start at moderate levels.
- Flow & Placement
- It grows attached to rock, so settle it on a flat rock surface. Mushroom corals prefer low to moderate flow (AlgaeBarn).
- Water Temperature & Quality
- 24-27°C, salinity 33-35 ppt (SG 1.023-1.025); Reeflex gives 24-28°C.
- Diet & Feeding
- Besides photosynthesis it uses dissolved nutrients and plankton (Reeflex). With many mouths, spread fine food across the surface.
- Health & Cautions
- Moderately easy and easy to propagate (Reeflex). Unlike free-living mushroom corals, it should not be left loose on the sand.
About Lithophyllon Coral
Lithophyllon Coral is an encrusting or wavy plate-forming coral that stays attached to rock and has many scattered mouths. It suits intermediate keepers. Here is what to know before you bring one home.
7 things to know before welcoming a Lithophyllon Coral
1Intermediate level
Our species database rates this coral for intermediate keepers. It is best considered once you have some coral-keeping experience and a tank with stable water quality, lighting, and flow.
2Plan for spread
Adult size is poorly documented, so no clear figure can be given. Because the colony spreads as a crust or a plate, leave generous room around it for future growth.
3Stays fixed to rock
Some relatives in the same family live unattached, but this species stays cemented to rock. Forcing it off its base risks damaging it, so plan your aquascape carefully and avoid moving it once it is placed.
4Color varies by origin
In the north of its range it tends to be dark green or brown, while in the south it is deep blue with prominent white mouths. Since the same species can look quite different, check the listing photos to see whether the color suits you.
5Many scattered mouths
Instead of one central mouth, it has many mouths spread over its surface. If you feed it, start with small amounts and watch the response so that leftovers do not foul the water.
6Edges and spacing
Take care not to bump or scrape the thin, wavy plate edges when rearranging or cleaning the tank. Keeping space between it and neighboring corals so they do not touch also makes upkeep easier.
7Prepare the tank first
Set up the tank ahead of time and let water quality, lighting, and flow settle before the coral arrives. After it arrives, acclimate it slowly to the water and the light, and avoid sudden changes.
Frequently asked questions about Lithophyllon Coral
- Q.Can a beginner keep it?
- A.It is rated for intermediate keepers. We recommend it for people who already have coral-keeping experience and a tank where water quality, lighting, and flow stay stable.
- Q.How long does it live?
- A.Little reliable information exists on its lifespan, so we cannot give a figure. Keeping water quality stable and observing the coral regularly is the basis of long-term care.
- Q.How does it differ from other mushroom corals?
- A.It is in the same family, but it stays attached to rock and spreads as a crust or a wavy plate. It also has no central mouth, with many mouths scattered over its surface.
- Q.Is it listed under CITES?
- A.Lithophyllon Coral is listed in CITES Appendix II.
- Q.Can I keep it with other corals?
- A.Compatibility depends on the individual and the tank, so there is no blanket answer. Give it enough distance from nearby corals so they do not touch, and watch how everything gets along.
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