Devils Hand Leather

Lobophytum sp.

Care Level	Easy — great beginner coral
Lighting	Low to high
Water Flow	Moderate
Placement	Low to mid rock
Aggression	Peaceful (mild chemical warfare)
Coloration	Green, tan, gray lobed fingers

Overview

The Devil’s Hand Leather (Lobophytum) is a hardy soft coral shaped like a hand with thick, finger-like lobes. Very forgiving and adaptable, it is a classic beginner leather that tolerates a wide range of light and flow.

Care & Placement

Adaptable to low or high light and moderate flow. Place low-to-mid on rock. Like all leathers it periodically sheds a waxy film and stays closed for a few days — normal, not a sign of trouble. Give it room to grow.

Feeding

Mostly photosynthetic; feeding optional. Occasional broadcast feeding of coral foods can boost growth.

Propagation

Easy — cut a finger/lobe from the edge and pin or glue it to a plug until it grips.

Full step-by-step: How to Frag Leather Corals

Cautions

Releases mild chemicals that can irritate stony corals — run carbon and provide flow/space. Periodic shedding and retraction is normal.