Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lobophytum (Devil's Hand Leather)
BeginnerLobophytum spp.
A soft coral whose finger-like lobes rise from a flat base, looking like an open hand. Known in English as devil's hand leather coral, it is hardy and easy to grow.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
24〜27℃
Diet
Mainly photosynthesis via zooxanthellae
About
Lobophytum is a genus of soft corals from Indo-West Pacific reefs, known in English as devil's hand corals or devil's hand leather corals. WoRMS treats it as a genus erected by Marenzeller in 1886, with Amocella as a synonym. Finger-like lobes rise from a flat, spreading base, and this resemblance to an open hand gives the English name. Fine polyps emerge across the whole surface, and when extended the colony looks covered in soft fur. It is zooxanthellate and covers most of its energy needs by photosynthesis, so feeding is rarely necessary. It is hardy and adaptable, placing it among the easier leather corals. Like other soft corals it releases chemical compounds, so run carbon and a skimmer and keep other corals spaced apart.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Temperature & humidity for the Lobophytum (Devil's Hand Leather)
The ideal temperature for the Lobophytum (Devil's Hand Leather) is 24〜27℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Coral reefs of the Indo-West Pacific
Temperature
24〜27℃
Diet
Mainly photosynthesis via zooxanthellae
Care Guide
Lighting
Moderate to bright lighting. It depends on zooxanthellae, so avoid very dim conditions.
Care Specifications
- Water Temp.
- 24–27℃
- Specific Gravity
- 1.023–1.025
- Salinity
- 33–35 ppt
Soft coralLight: Medium (PAR 50-150)Flow: MediumPlacement: Middle
Sources: Wikipedia: Reef aquarium (water parameters) / AlgaeBarn: Keeping Toadstool Leather Corals / AlgaeBarn: Reconsidering Soft Corals
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.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Lobophytum spp. Marenzeller, 1886
Synonyms: Amocella
Authority databases: WoRMS
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listed
Octocoral, order Malacalcyonacea (Lobophytum spp., Sarcophytidae). Not listed by CITES: it belongs to none of Scleractinia, Antipatharia, Helioporidae, Tubiporidae, Milleporidae or Stylasteridae.
Sources: DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals (taxon not listed) / CITES Appendices
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Lobophytum (Devil's Hand Leather) Listings
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