Lobophytum sp - Devil's Hand

The Devil's Hand Leather Coral is also referred to as Finger Leather Coral, Cabbage Leather Coral, or Lobed Leather Coral. It is very difficult to identify an exact species because there is so much variation within the genus. It is closely related to corals of the Sarcophyton genus, and especially with small colonies, it is almost impossible to differentiate between the two. It varies in color between shades of brown, tan, pink, yellow, or green.

Its behavior is peaceful, but it will still require space between others and itself within the reef aquarium. Some species are toxic to stony corals. It is very easy to maintain in the reef aquarium and makes an excellent coral for the beginning through expert reef aquarist. The Devil's Hand Leather Coral will require medium to high lighting combined with medium to strong water movement. For continued good health, it will also require the addition of iodine, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.

The symbiotic algae zooxanthellae hosted within its body provides the majority of its nutritional needs from the light driven process of photosynthesis. It will also benefit from additional food such as micro-plankton, baby brine shrimp, or foods designed for filter feeding invertebrates.

It is normally shipped attached to a small piece of live rock or rubble. The Maricultured Coral is mounted to a natural “rock like” plug that can be placed easily and securely in or between rock work in the reef aquarium.