Green Devil’s Hand Leather Coral

Green Devil’s Hand Leather Coral, Lobophytum sp., is a colonial octocoral known for its thick fleshy base, broad lobes, and numerous retractile polyps. This WYSIWYG specimen displays bright green tissue with a textured surface covered in small pale green to cream polyps, giving the colony a soft, fuzzy appearance when extended. The upright lobes and hand-like growth form are characteristic of corals commonly referred to as Devil’s Hand leathers. Lobophytum corals contain symbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates that provide much of their energy, while their polyps can also capture fine suspended particles from the water column. As the colony matures, it can develop additional lobes and a broader, more sculptural form. Because species-level identification within Lobophytum cannot be confirmed reliably from appearance alone, Lobophytum sp. is the scientifically appropriate designation.

Care Guide: Lobophytum sp. is generally hardy and adapts well to established reef aquariums. Provide moderate lighting and moderate to strong, variable water movement to help keep the surface clean and encourage regular shedding of the thin waxy film these leather corals periodically produce. During shedding, the coral may remain closed or appear dull for several days; stronger, indirect flow usually helps the old surface layer slough away. Place on stable rockwork with room for the colony to expand. Maintain stable temperature and salinity along with reasonable alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, and phosphate. Most nutrition comes from photosynthesis, though dissolved and very fine suspended organic material may supplement feeding. Because leather corals can release allelopathic compounds, good filtration, regular water changes, and activated carbon can be helpful in mixed reef systems.