Orange Lobophyllia Coral
The Orange Lobophyllia Coral is a beautiful large polyp stony (LPS) coral known for its vibrant orange colouration, thick fleshy tissue and distinctive brain-like appearance. Its bold colours and rounded, textured shape make it an attractive feature in established marine reef aquariums.
Part of the Lobophyllia genus, these corals are commonly referred to as Brain Corals due to their deeply folded skeletal structure and large, fleshy polyps. When healthy and fully expanded, the coral develops a plump, rounded appearance, creating an impressive display of colour and texture across the lower areas of the aquarium.
Care Information
Genus: Lobophyllia
Coral Type: Large Polyp Stony (LPS) Coral
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Lighting: Low to Moderate
Recommended PAR: 50–150
Water Flow: Low to Moderate, indirect
Placement: Sand bed or lower areas of the aquarium
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Feeding: Photosynthetic, supplemental feeding beneficial
Aquarium Placement
Orange Lobophyllia prefer lower to moderate lighting and gentle, indirect water movement that allows their fleshy polyps to expand naturally.
Avoid placing them directly beneath intense reef lighting or in front of strong wavemakers, as excessive light or flow can cause tissue irritation, prevent full expansion and potentially damage the coral.
The sand bed or stable lower rockwork is generally ideal. Ensure the coral is positioned away from sharp rocks that could damage its delicate fleshy tissue as it expands.
Lobophyllia can extend feeding or sweeper tentacles, particularly at night, so adequate spacing should be maintained between neighbouring corals to prevent stinging and irritation.
Feeding
Orange Lobophyllia obtain much of their energy through photosynthesis, supported by the symbiotic algae living within their tissue.
Although they can survive without regular target feeding, occasional supplemental feeding can support healthy tissue growth and overall condition.
Suitable foods include finely chopped meaty marine foods and appropriately sized LPS coral foods. Target feeding once or twice per week is generally sufficient, ideally when the coral's feeding tentacles are extended.
Maintaining stable calcium, alkalinity and magnesium levels is also important for healthy skeletal growth and long-term success.
Vibrant Colour & Natural Growth
One of the biggest attractions of Orange Lobophyllia is their vibrant colouration combined with their thick, fleshy appearance.
Unlike branching LPS corals, Lobophyllia develop rounded, folded structures that create a distinctive brain-like appearance. Their fleshy tissue can expand considerably throughout the day, giving the coral a full, textured appearance.
With stable water parameters, appropriate lighting and occasional feeding, Lobophyllia can gradually develop additional skeletal growth and expand into larger colonies over time.
Orange Lobophyllia are an excellent choice for:
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Adding vibrant orange colouration to established reef aquariums
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Creating an eye-catching feature on the sand bed or lower rockwork
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Adding texture and contrast alongside other LPS corals
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Reef keepers looking for a colourful, fleshy Brain Coral
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Marine aquariums with stable water parameters and suitable coral spacing
With its vibrant orange colouration, distinctive brain-like structure and thick fleshy polyps, the Orange Lobophyllia is an excellent feature coral for established marine aquariums.
Colour, size and polyp expansion may vary between individual specimens and aquarium conditions.
