How difficult is it to keep Lithophyllon Coral?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Lithophyllon Coral?

The ideal temperature for Lithophyllon Coral is 24〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does Lithophyllon Coral get?

Lithophyllon Coral typically reaches Up to about 25 cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Lithophyllon Coral?

Lithophyllon Coral feeds on: Photosynthesis (zooxanthellae) plus plankton. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Lithophyllon Coral?

The price of Lithophyllon Coral varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Lithophyllon Coral

Intermediate

Lithophyllon undulatum

A mushroom-coral relative that stays attached to rock, spreading as encrusting sheets or flat plates with lobed edges. It has many mouths but usually no central one; deep green or brown in the north of its range, dark blue with white centres in the south.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

24〜27℃

Size

Up to about 25 cm

Diet

Photosynthesis (zooxanthellae) plus plankton

About

Lithophyllon undulatum is a stony coral of the family Fungiidae; WoRMS also lists the Japanese name Minami-kawarasango. It occurs in the central Indo-Pacific on reefs and rocky shores. Most mushroom corals detach and lie free on the bottom as adults, but this species stays attached, spreading as encrusting sheets or flat plates with lobed margins. There is usually no central mouth; thin septo-costae stand out and many mouths are scattered over the surface. Colour is deep green or brown in the north of its range and dark blue with white corallite centres in the south (Corals of the World). The free-living mushroom corals on this site, such as Fungia, are kept on sand, whereas this species should be attached to rock. Reeflex rates it moderately easy, recommends at least 150 L and notes it is easy to propagate. Specialist shops in Japan stock it repeatedly.

Size of the Lithophyllon Coral

The Lithophyllon Coral grows to Up to about 25 cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Lithophyllon Coral

The ideal temperature for the Lithophyllon Coral is 24〜27℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Reefs and rocky shores of the central Indo-Pacific

Size

Up to about 25 cm

Temperature

24〜27℃

Diet

Photosynthesis (zooxanthellae) plus plankton

Care Specifications

Water Temp.: 24–27℃
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.025
Salinity: 33–35 ppt
Min. Tank: 150 L

LPS

Sources: Corals of the World (Lithophyllon undulatum) / Reeflex (Lithophyllon undulatum) / AlgaeBarn: A quick guide to LPS and SPS / AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Lithophyllon undulatum Rehberg, 1892

Synonyms: Lithophyllon lobata (Van der Horst, 1921), Podabacia dispar Verrill, 1901, Leptoseris floriformis Gerth, 1923

Authority databases: WoRMS · GBIF · GBIF · WoRMS · Corals of the World

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

CITES Appendix IIIUCN LC · Least Concern

Domestic law: Collecting in Japanese waters is governed by each prefecture's fisheries adjustment regulations, which differ by prefecture. Okinawa bans all collection of reef-building corals, including stony corals, and also bans possessing or selling illegally collected corals (cultured corals are exempt, and the prefecture advises buyers to confirm a coral is cultured, on an artificial base or tagged). Tokyo bans collection in the waters off Ogasawara Village. In marine park zones of national and quasi-national parks, taking designated animals and plants requires a permit (Natural Parks Act, Art. 22).

All stony corals (Scleractinia) are listed in CITES Appendix II (checked on Species+). International trade requires export permits, but no registration is needed to sell or transfer specimens within Japan.

Sources: Species+ (CITES listing of Lithophyllon undulatum) / Okinawa Prefecture: Collection of reef-building corals is prohibited / Tokyo Metropolitan Fisheries Adjustment Regulations (Arts. 37 and 41) / e-Gov: Natural Parks Act (Art. 22, marine park zones)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.