The Rainbow Lobophyllia coral can display an array of captivating shades. This remarkable diversity in colouration is influenced by both genetics and the environmental conditions under which it is grown. Factors such as light intensity, water quality, and nutrient availability play critical roles in determining its colour. The coral’s fleshy tissue allows light to pass through, which can make its colours appear more vibrant, especially under optimal lighting conditions. The stunning appearance of Rainbow Lobophyllia makes it a highly sought-after species for reef aquariums.
Defining Characteristics
The Rainbow Lobophyllia is characterized by its large, fleshy polyps and massive, lobed structure, which gives it a distinctive appearance. It forms dome-shaped colonies that are often irregular in shape and can have multiple lobes or heads. The polyps can extend and expand during the day, showcasing their textured, fleshy appearance. It is often confused with other LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals, such as Acanthophyllia or Symphyllia, due to its large, fleshy polyps. However, Lobophyllia has a more pronounced lobed structure and a denser skeletal base compared to these other species.
Taxonomy
The Rainbow Lobophyllia coral belongs to the genus Lobophyllia, which is part of the family Lobophylliidae. Its closest relatives include other members of the Lobophyllia genus as well as corals from genera like Symphyllia and Acanthophyllia. These corals share similar fleshy appearances and large polyp structures, though they may vary in growth patterns and skeletal structure. Lobophyllia corals are classified as LPS corals, known for their large polyps and stony skeletons.
Distribution
Lobophyllia corals, including the Rainbow Lobophyllia, are found in various regions of the Indo-Pacific. They are commonly found in coral-rich areas like the Great Barrier Reef, the Red Sea, and the reefs surrounding Indonesia, Fiji, and other Pacific islands. These corals thrive in regions with a wide range of environmental conditions, from shallow lagoons to deeper, more turbid waters.
Natural Habitat
In the wild, Rainbow Lobophyllia corals are typically found in sheltered areas of the reef, such as lagoons or back-reef environments. They prefer areas with moderate to low water movement and tend to grow on sandy or rubble substrates. These corals thrive in stable environments where water quality and temperature remain consistent. They can grow at various depths but are often found in areas where light levels are moderate, as they can tolerate slightly shaded regions but still benefit from sunlight for photosynthesis.
Symbiotic Relationship
Like many reef-building corals, the Rainbow Lobophyllia coral maintains a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae. These algae live within the coral’s tissue and provide nutrients to the coral through photosynthesis. In return, the coral offers the algae protection and access to sunlight. This symbiotic relationship is crucial for the coral’s health and growth. However, when the coral is stressed due to factors like poor water quality, temperature fluctuations, or inadequate lighting, it may expel the zooxanthellae, a process known as “bleaching.” If the stress persists, the coral can lose its vibrant colour and potentially die.
Keeping Rainbow Lobophyllia Healthy
Rainbow Lobophyllia corals are relatively easy to care for and are suitable for intermediate aquarists. They require stable water conditions and are sensitive to sudden changes in water parameters. They can tolerate a range of lighting and flow conditions, but maintaining consistency is key to their health. Lobophyllia corals can be semi-aggressive towards neighbouring corals. At night they will sting corals close enough for them to reach. Therefore, it’s important to give them adequate space to grow without competition. Despite their size and aggressiveness, they can thrive in a well-maintained aquarium and make spectacular centre pieces..
Light Level
The Rainbow Lobophyllia coral does not require extremely high light levels to thrive. They can do well under moderate to low lighting. These corals are responsive to light and will adjust colour to intensity. Watching the coral’s response to changes in light is key, as overexposure may lead to bleaching, while insufficient light can slow down its growth.
Finding the perfect light for this coral is about ensuring the right balance between intensity and spectrum. Corals will react differently under different light intensities and under different spectrums. Feel free to ask for advice if you are unsure about the best lighting setup.
Flow Rate
The Rainbow Lobophyllia coral prefers low to moderate water flow. A flow that is too strong can damage its delicate, fleshy polyps, while low flow can lead to a buildup of debris on the coral, which could cause health issues. Moderate flow helps deliver nutrients and oxygen while preventing detritus from settling on the coral’s surface. Placing this coral in an area with gentle to moderate water movement will help keep it healthy and ensure it receives adequate nutrients.
Feeding
While the Rainbow Lobophyllia relies primarily on its symbiotic zooxanthellae for energy, supplemental feeding can enhance its growth and overall health. These corals can benefit from regular feedings of coral-specific foods like amino acids and plankton. Lobos are capable of handling larger food items like mysis and chunks of krill.
All our corals are fed on Coral foods such as, amino acids and plankton. Target feeding with a pipette or coral feeder helps ensure the food reaches the polyps directly, encouraging faster growth and a more vibrant appearance. This type of feeding is especially beneficial in an aquarium setting, where natural food sources may be limited.
Reproduction.
1) Sexual Reproduction.
Most corals engage in sexual reproduction through a process known as spawning. During spawning events, corals release eggs and sperm into the water column simultaneously. This typically occurs in a synchronized manner, often triggered by environmental cues such as temperature changes, moon phases, and day length. The synchronization maximizes the likelihood of fertilization.
2) Asexual Reproduction.
One common form of asexual reproduction in corals is budding, where new polyps bud off from parent polyps. This process can occur within the same colony, helping it grow and expand.
3) Importance of Reproduction in Coral Ecology.
Coral reproduction is crucial for the maintenance and expansion of coral reefs. Sexual reproduction introduces genetic diversity, which enhances the resilience of coral populations to environmental stressors such as climate change, diseases, and bleaching events. Asexual reproduction allows for the rapid expansion of colonies and the repair of damaged areas within a reef.
Summary
Rainbow Lobophyllia is a brilliant green, slow growing coral.
These corals are easy to look after, provided they are placed appropriately. Lobophyllia do not require a lot of light, despite them housing photosynthetic algae, that they share a symbiotic relationship with. Although, Lobophyllias’ colour may present more intensely under different light intensities. Rainbow Lobophyllia do not like to be in strong currents. Fast moving water will inhibit polyp extension. As a result, Lobophyllia should be placed in low to moderate currents.
Lobophyllia do possess sweeper tentacles which means they should be given enough space away from neighbouring coral. These corals will also benefit from being target fed small meaty foods, such as brine shrimp, on occasion.
Dry Goods Delivery.
The store has provided information regarding their order dispatch and estimated delivery times. Here are the key details:
- Dispatch Timeframe: Orders placed before 2pm will be dispatched on the same day. Orders placed after 2pm will be dispatched on the next working day.
- Delivery Date and Time Guarantee: While the store aims to dispatch orders promptly, they cannot guarantee a specific delivery date and time. As the delivery process relies on couriers, there may be factors beyond their control that could affect the delivery timeframe.
- 1st Class Mail: For orders sent via 1st Class mail, the aim is to have them delivered on the next working day after dispatch.
- 2nd Class Mail: Orders sent via 2nd Class mail typically take approximately 2-3 working days for delivery after dispatch.
- APC Next Day Delivery: APC Next Day delivery is available for UK mainland postcodes. It is usually delivered on the next working day after dispatch. However, please note that items being delivered to more remote areas may require additional time for delivery.
It’s important to keep in mind that while the store strives to provide efficient delivery services, unforeseen circumstances or external factors could potentially impact delivery times. For further details or specific inquiries about delivery, customers should refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Livestock Delivery.
The store maintains specific policies regarding the delivery of livestock. Here are the key points:
- Licensed Livestock Courier: The store exclusively uses a licensed livestock courier for shipping fish and coral. This approach is chosen to ensure responsible and ethical transportation of the livestock.
- Livestock Shipping Fee: The livestock shipping fee charged to customers of £19.99 does not cover the true cost, and therefore, there is a minimum spend requirement of £30.00 before the option for livestock shipping becomes available.
- Pre-Arranged Delivery: The store never ships livestock without first arranging a suitable delivery day. Before dispatching the livestock, the store must confirm the agreed-upon delivery day with the customer.
- Saturday Delivery Confirmation: Customers who choose Saturday delivery must have their availability confirmed for the upcoming Saturday before the store sends out the livestock. This confirmation ensures that the livestock can be received promptly.
- Failure to wait for livestock: Not waiting for livestock, even if there is a reasonable delay, or cancelling an order after it has been dispatched will lead to you incurring charges for an emergency return to the base. Additionally, any losses of livestock will also be charged to you. Please be aware that the items you are ordering are living creatures – livestock. We kindly ask that you refrain from ordering livestock if you are unable to accommodate the possibility of a delayed delivery.
These terms and conditions are a fundamental aspect of our policy. Our primary goal is to dissuade individuals who could react negatively to a delayed delivery and subsequently request order cancellations. It is of utmost importance to underscore that your order pertains to living creatures, not mere inanimate objects. In the event of an occasional delay, it is crucial that you respond in a rational and responsible manner, taking into account the welfare of the livestock. We kindly request that you refrain from placing an order for livestock if you tend to react strongly to such situations. By proceeding with the order of livestock, you indicate your acceptance and agreement to abide by these specified terms and conditions.
- Signature Requirement: Livestock deliveries require a signature upon receipt and cannot be left in a safe location. This precaution ensures proper handling and the well-being of the livestock.
- Geographic Restrictions: The courier has strict geographic restrictions for livestock deliveries. Unfortunately, deliveries to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands, and certain Scottish offshore postcodes may not be possible. Customers are encouraged to contact the store via email to confirm if livestock delivery is available in their area.
- Minimum Order Value and Order Cancellations: The store has a minimum order value of £30 for livestock shipping. Additionally, the store reserves the right to cancel orders that are deemed high-risk or involve a high number of single tropical freshwater fish species.
It is essential for customers to familiarize themselves with these policies before making a purchase. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or reach out to the store directly for clarification.
Livestock Geographical Exemptions.
The store has specific geographical exemptions for livestock deliveries. Here is a list of the areas and postcodes where livestock delivery is not available:
- Islands: Livestock cannot be delivered to the Shetlands, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man.
- Postcodes: Livestock delivery is not available to the following postcodes:
- AB30 to AB39, AB41 to AB45, AB51 to AB56
- DD8 to DD10
- BT all
- DG3 to DG9, DG12 to DG14
- KA18 to KA19, KA26, KA29 to KA30
- HS all
- IM all
- JE all
- ZE all
- KW15 to KW17
- TD9
- FK17 to FK21
- GY all
- KA26, to KA28
- PA20 to PA38, PA41 to PA49, PA60 to PA61, PA76 to PA78
- TR21, to TR25
- PH3 to PH26, PH30 to PH44
- IV all
Customers residing in these areas should be aware that livestock delivery is not available to their location.
We can ship livestock to the Isle of Wight, this area is subject to a surcharge.
For further information or specific inquiries about livestock delivery to a particular area, customers are advised to contact the store directly for clarification.
Cancellation.
According to the store’s policy, customers have the right to cancel an order within 14 working days of receiving the goods. To initiate the cancellation, the goods must be returned to the store in new and unused condition, adhering to their Returns Policy.
Important points regarding the return process are as follows:
- Return Condition: The goods must be returned in new and unused condition, as originally received. It is important to ensure that the goods are in the same condition as when they were sent out.
- Return Timeframe: The goods must be received by the store within 21 days of notifying them about the cancellation. During this time, customers are responsible for any loss or damage that may occur during the return shipping process.
- Refund Process: Once the store receives the goods in new and unused condition, they will initiate the refund process. The purchase price will be refunded to the customer.
- Return Condition Inspection: If the returned goods arrive in a condition that is less than what they were sent out in, the store reserves the right to return the goods to the customer, and no refund will be processed.
It is essential for customers to carefully review the store’s Returns Policy and follow the specified procedures to ensure a smooth and successful return and refund process. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Returns.
According to the store’s return policy, the following guidelines should be followed for returning goods:
- Use Returns Form: Customers need to use the store’s provided returns form to initiate the return process. This form helps the store acknowledge that the goods are being sent back.
- Return for Testing: If the goods are being returned for testing, the customer is responsible for covering the return shipping expenses.
- Refund of Postage Fees: The store will only refund postage fees if the order arrives damaged or becomes faulty within the first 4 weeks of purchase. Proof of posting is important, and customers should ensure the goods are well-packed and obtain proof of posting as the goods remain their responsibility until received by the store.
- Refund of Postage Costs for Replacement: If goods are being returned within 7 days of purchase under the Replacement Policy, the store can refund postage costs. However, the customer needs to agree on a delivery service with the store in advance, and only standard or tracked shipping fees will be refunded. The store cannot refund the cost of any special delivery service.
- Non-Refundable Postage: Postage costs for goods returned for any other reason than those mentioned above are non-refundable. The store reserves the right to deduct the original postage cost from any applicable refund.
- Mistaken Purchases: If a customer has made a mistake in their purchase, they need to return the goods to the store. The customer is responsible for the return shipping costs in such cases.
It is important for customers to carefully follow the store’s return procedures and terms and conditions. For further details or specific inquiries, customers should refer to the store’s website or contact the store directly.
Replacements
If customers receive faulty goods, the following guidelines apply according to the store’s policy:
- Notification of Faulty Goods: Customers must notify the store within 7 working days if they receive faulty goods. This notification should be made as soon as possible.
- Replacement Parts: If possible, the store will dispatch replacement parts for the faulty goods.
- Return of Goods: If replacement parts are not possible, the store may request customers to return the faulty goods in accordance with their Returns Policy. The specific return procedures and conditions should be followed.
- Verification of Damage: Once the store receives the returned goods, they will verify the damage. If the damage is confirmed, the store will supply the required replacements.
- Return Postage Costs: If the goods returned to the store are found to be in good working order, the store is not able to refund the return postage costs. Additionally, the store reserves the right to deduct their original postage cost from any applicable refund.
- Consequential Loss or Damage: The store cannot take responsibility for any consequential loss or damage that arises directly or indirectly from the goods supplied.
Customers should carefully review and adhere to the store’s Returns Policy and procedures for returning faulty goods. For further clarification or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Manufacturer’s Guarantees
The store works in collaboration with manufacturers to ensure that their guarantees are honored, and they make their best efforts to resolve issues within the warranty period. The following guidelines apply to refunds and replacements:
- Postage Costs under Manufacturer’s Guarantee: Postage costs can only be refunded if the goods are returned to the store within 7 days of the original purchase, as per the manufacturer’s guarantee.
- Refund of Postage Costs for Faulty Goods: The store will refund postage costs for guarantee/warranty returns only if the product becomes faulty within the first 4 weeks of receipt.
- Replacements with Manufacturer Authorization: Replacements, whether parts or goods, can only be offered when authorized by the manufacturer. Customers should contact the store for further guidance in such cases.
- Prior Approval for Returns: Goods should not be returned to the store without prior approval. Customers need to contact the store and obtain approval before returning any items.
- Replacement of Glass or Ceramic Items: Glass or ceramic items can only be replaced if the store is notified within 48 hours of receiving the delivery.
- Replacement of Glass Bulbs/Tubes: Glass bulbs or tubes can only be replaced if they become faulty within 14 days.
Customers should note and adhere to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and efficient resolution of any issues with their purchased items. For specific inquiries or further information, customers are advised to refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Breakages
According to the store’s policy, customers have the following responsibilities regarding breakages:
- Checking Goods on Arrival: It is the customer’s responsibility to thoroughly check the goods upon arrival for any damage. This should be done before signing for the parcel. If the parcel appears damaged, it is advised not to sign for it.
- Reporting Breakages: Any breakages or damages must be reported to the store within 48 hours of receiving the goods. It is important to promptly notify the store to initiate the resolution process.
By carefully inspecting the goods upon arrival and reporting any breakages within the specified timeframe, customers can ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address the issue. For specific instructions on reporting breakages or further information, customers should refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
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