
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lobophyllia vitiensis
A large disc-shaped stony coral of one or a few polyps, its skeleton thickly covered by fleshy tissue. High-colour specimens are traded in the hobby under the name scoly.
Lobophyllia vitiensis is a lobophylliid stony coral of the Indo-West Pacific. Bruggemann described it in 1877, and it was long treated as Scolymia vitiensis and later Parascolymia vitiensis, but current WoRMS classification places it in Lobophyllia. Colonies consist of one or a few polyps, with fleshy tissue thickly covering a disc-shaped skeleton. A single large mouth opens at the centre, giving the distinctive look of a flat round coral resting on the sand. Colour includes red, green and orange, and specimens with concentric bands of several colours are highly prized. Moderate or lower lighting with gentle flow suits it, and too much light causes fading. It is normally set directly on the sand, and target-feeding minced fish to the feeding tentacles it extends at night keeps it in good condition. As a scleractinian it falls under CITES Appendix II.
The ideal temperature for the Scolymia Vitiensis (Lobophyllia vitiensis) is 24〜27℃.
Origin
Coral reefs of the Indo-West Pacific
Temperature
24〜27℃
Photosynthesis via zooxanthellae plus meaty foods
Moderate or lower LED lighting; start low and acclimate, since too much light causes fading.
Sources: Wikipedia: Reef aquarium (water parameters) / AlgaeBarn: A Quick Guide to LPS and SPS / WoRMS
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.
Accepted name: Lobophyllia vitiensis (Brüggemann, 1877)
Synonyms: Lithophyllia grandissima, Lithophyllia sumatrensis, Lithophyllia vitiensis, Parascolymia fungiformis, Parascolymia vitiensis, Parascolymia vitiensis var. dentorotunda, Scolymia vitiensis
Authority databases: WoRMS
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Scleractinia (Lobophyllia vitiensis, Lobophylliidae). CITES Appendix II.
Sources: DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals (Scleractinia spp. = App. II)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Gentle flow. Normally set directly on sand, in a spot where stirred sediment will not settle on the tissue.
Keep 24-27 C with KH 7-12 and calcium 400-450 ppm, held stable.
It extends feeding tentacles at night; target-feed minced fish or shrimp to the central mouth for colour and growth.
It is sometimes traded as Scolymia or Parascolymia. As a scleractinian it is CITES Appendix II.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Scolymia Vitiensis (Lobophyllia vitiensis) is 24〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Scolymia Vitiensis (Lobophyllia vitiensis) feeds on: Photosynthesis via zooxanthellae plus meaty foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Scolymia Vitiensis (Lobophyllia vitiensis) varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026