Description
Lobophyllia hemprichii, commonly called lobed brain coral or largebrain root coral, is a large polyp stony coral known for its vibrant colors and fleshy texture. It forms colonies that can be flat to hemispherical, reaching diameters up to 5 meters. These colonies can consist of multiple adjacent colonies, sometimes of different colors, fused together. The coral's skeletal structure (corallites) can be tubular or arranged in valleys with ridges, and the septa (vertical blades within the corallite) have tall, sharp teeth. It is a zooxanthellate coral, meaning it hosts symbiotic algae that provide it with nutrients through photosynthesis.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Growth Form:
Lobophyllia hemprichii forms colonies that can be flat or hemispherical, with individual corallites that may be tubular (phaceloid) or arranged in valleys (flabello-meandroid).
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Corallite Structure:
The corallites, which are the skeletal cups that house the polyps, can be tubular or arranged in valleys with ridges. Septa, the vertical blades within the corallite, taper in thickness and have prominent, sharp teeth.
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Polyps:
The polyps are thick and fleshy, able to retract into the corallites or extend their tentacles to feed. They can have either smooth or rough surfaces.
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Coloration:
Lobophyllia hemprichii exhibits a variety of colors, including shades of gray, pink, violet, or yellowish-brown. Some colonies may have a uniform color, while others display multiple colors concentrated around the mouths or valleys.
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Habitat:
It's commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly on upper reef slopes, where it can form large, dominant stands.
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Symbiosis:
Like many corals, L. hemprichii is zooxanthellate, meaning it harbors symbiotic algae (dinoflagellates) within its tissues, which provide it with nutrients through photosynthesis.
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Aggression:
It's known to be a somewhat aggressive coral, capable of extending sweeper tentacles to defend its space.
