Lobophyllia flabelliformis Identification, Eric Borneman: Avialable in many growth forms and somewhat muted colors, these corals have a typically flabello-meandroind or phaceloid colony form typical of many brain corals. However, they are usually quite flat and less spherical than other brain corals. The polyp tissue is heavy and prominent, leading to one of there common names, meat coral. Single sections of Lobophyllia may easily be confused with Scolymia, and the meandroid pattern is often unrecognizable or not present in some species. Lobophyllia hemprichii is the most abundant species found in the ocean, and it`s colony size and colors are it`s primary distinction from other species, unless examination of the septa and calices are carefully considered. It may form flat, massive colonies or have polyps on the end of branches that can be up to 12in long. Lobophyllia corymbosa is easily confused with Lobophyllia hemprichii, especially with aquarium-sized specimens. Lobophyllia hataii is the most easily recognized species, being distinctly more meandroid, with all meanders converging at the centers. Its valleys are quite shallow when compared to other species. Lobophyllia are also easily confused with Symphyllia. However, corallites of most collected species of lobophyllia remain separate, while Symphyllia corallites have fused common walls. This trait is clearer when the coral is not fully expanded, because the heavy tissue tends to obscure skeletal features.
Captive Care, Eric Borneman: Lobophyllia are common Indo-Pacific corals in the aquarium trade, very hardy, tolerant and highly recommended. Their polyp tissue expands greatly in captivity, and feeding tentacles are usually visible at night, running sinuously along the prominent meandroid grooves, or from the margins between the oral and peripheral tissue. Naturally the tentacles occasionally extend during the day but can be trained to open as well. These corals readily take food offerings. If minimally adequate light and water movement is offered, they should grow well throughout the tank. Bright direct light and calm currents are optimal. Because lobophyllia are heavy-bodied corals, growth rates are not as apparent as other corals. Lobophyllia are fairly submissive to other corals (despite their feeding abilities), and recession is their most likely problem. Lobophyllia have been known to produce sweeper tentacles to fight off adjacent corals.
Lobophyllia robusta
Edited by Kyle - June 22 2006 at 11:31am
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