Lobophytum leather coral (Lobophytum pauciflorum) care guide

Group
Corals
Other names
Devil's hand leather coral, Lobed leather coral, Lobophytum, Finger leather coral
Family
Alcyoniidae (leather corals)
Origin
Indo-Pacific; shallow reefs and lagoons
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
beginner
Reef safe
with_caution
Lighting
Moderate to high
Flow
Medium to strong

Care

A leather coral that grows as a low, encrusting base topped with upright lobes, ridges or finger-like projections. Colonies are usually tan, cream, yellow or green with short polyps that give a fuzzy look when open. Small pieces can be hard to tell apart from Sarcophyton. Placement: anywhere on the rockwork, with space to spread sideways. Light and flow: moderate to high light and medium to strong flow. Water: LiveAquaria describes Lobophytum as very easy, suitable for beginners. Dose iodine, strontium and trace elements as part of normal reef care. Like other leathers it periodically sheds a waxy film. Growth: moderate. LiveAquaria gives figures for Lobophytum in general rather than this species, and sells maricultured pieces on rock plugs. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/devils-hand-leather-coral). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Photosynthetic (zooxanthellae). LiveAquaria notes it can benefit from micro-plankton, baby brine shrimp or foods for filter feeders, but target feeding is not essential.

Breeding

Cut off a finger or a section of the base with a sharp scalpel and hold it against rock with a rubber band, mesh or a toothpick until it attaches. Cuts heal quickly.

Compatibility and tank mates

No sweeper tentacles, but LiveAquaria notes some species in the genus are toxic to stony corals. Leather corals release terpenoid chemicals into the water that can stress or stunt stony corals, especially those directly downstream. Run activated carbon, change it often, keep up regular water changes and give the leather 15–20 cm of clear space, more from SPS and LPS.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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