Devils Hand Leather Coral
Lobophytum sp
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Water parameters
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Devils Hand Leather Coral
General information
In general, Lobophytum species from the Family Alcyoniidae has a thick and heavy skin. They usually come in an encrusting form that either takes the shape of a bowl or standing straigt up in an erect position. It has projections called stalks that are fat, short and often has a compacted head that forms a fold or finger-like extensions which is often colored brown, tan, pink, green or yellow. They are easy to maintain in captivity making it an excellent choice for beginners.
For the Devils Hand Leather Coral, they are predominatly colored pinkish brown with light blue polyps. This are the water parameters for cultivating Devils Hand Leather Coral:
- Calcium: 385 – 450 ppm
- Alkalinity: 3.2 – 4.8 MEQ/L
- Phosphates: 0
- Magnesium: 1200 – 1350
- Strontium: 8 -10 mg/L
- Temperature: 76° – 82° F (24° – 28° C)
- Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 – 1.025
- pH: 8.0 – 8.4
Diet & nutrition
Devils Hand Leather Coral recives nourishment either through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Photosynthetic nourishment is done through the presence of light which is further enhanced by the symbiotic zooxanthellae living within its tissues. Chemosynthetic nourishment is achieved through the absorption of nutrients in the water.
Determining sex
Aside from giving them ample space from other coral species, a Devils Hand Leather Coral should be placed in the top or middle portion of the tank. This is the part where it recieves maximum lighting and strong water flow which is deemed important for their growth.
Breeding & spawning
The Devil's Hand Leather Coral requires medium to high lighting and strong water flow.
Diseases
The Devil's Hand Leather Coral are prone to nibbling by snails, bristleworms, flatworms and cyanobacteria where they can easily be infected with diseases.
Origination
The Devils Hand Leather Coral can be found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean and Red Sea. They are still abundant in the wild and is not yet listed as a threatened or endangered species.
Cautions
Devils Hand Leather Coral needs ample space between other species of corals.
Acclimation process
Since the Devils Hand Leather Coral are marine species, salinity must be maintained at 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.
All photos
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