Symphyllia brain coral (Lobophyllia radians) care guide

Group
Corals
Other names
Symphyllia radians, Symphyllia, Lobo brain coral, Meat coral
Family
Lobophylliidae
Origin
Indo-Pacific, from the Indian Ocean to the western and central Pacific
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
beginner
Reef safe
yes
Lighting
Moderate
Flow
Moderate

Care

Lobophyllia radians is a large-polyp stony (LPS) brain coral that forms domes with long, wandering valleys of thick, fleshy tissue. The valleys are separated by ridges, and the tissue can be smooth or pimply. Colours include green, red, orange, grey and brown, often with contrasting valleys and walls. Place it low to mid tank on the rock or sand with room to expand. LiveAquaria lists Lobophyllia as easy in care, with moderate to high light, medium flow and placement anywhere in the tank. Water: LiveAquaria gives dKH 8–12, pH 8.1–8.4, specific gravity 1.023–1.025 and 22–26 °C, with calcium, strontium and trace elements. Growth is slow. Naming: the species was formerly Symphyllia radians and is still often sold under Symphyllia; that genus was merged into Lobophyllia in 2016. Selling: this is a CITES Appendix II coral. Frags grown in the UK can be sold freely; wild-collected or imported pieces must have been legally imported with CITES paperwork. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/brain-coral-lobophyllia). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Photosynthetic, but it benefits from meaty foods such as mysis, brine shrimp or microplankton in the evening, when its tentacles are out.

Breeding

Fragging is possible but slow: cut through the skeleton between valleys with a saw, then glue each piece to a base and keep it in low flow while it heals. Most hobbyists leave colonies whole.

Compatibility and tank mates

Semi-aggressive. It extends sweeper tentacles at night that can sting nearby corals, so give it 10–15 cm of space. Some angelfish and butterflyfish nip it.

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

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