Leather Coral
Sarcophyton sp.
Water Parameters
About
Large mushroom-shaped soft coral with a leather-like texture. Hardy and tolerant, ideal for reef beginners. Grows large.
Behavior & Temperament
Sessile and robust. Mushroom-shaped with a leathery surface. Releases terpenes that can inhibit nearby SPS corals. Periodically closes polyps to renew mucus.
Feeding
Photosynthetic - zooxanthellae provide nearly all nutrition. Supplemental feeding unnecessary but phytoplankton may accelerate growth
Breeding
Asexually propagated by budding and fragmentation. May produce shoots at the base. In the hobby, fragmentation is done by cutting pieces from the top. Rapid healing.
Care Notes
Moderate lighting (100-250 PAR). Moderate flow. Use activated carbon to remove terpenes. Polyps close for 1‑3 days periodically (normal, not a disease).
Compatibility
Keep away from SPS corals (chemical warfare via terpenes). Use activated carbon. Compatible with reef fish and soft corals.
Quick Summary
| Scientific Name | Sarcophyton sp. |
|---|---|
| Family | Alcyoniidae |
| Category | Cnidarian |
| Care Level | Beginner |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| Max Size | 30.0 cm (11.8") |
| Min Tank | 100 L (26 gal) |
| Min Group | 1+ |
| Diet | Photosynthetic - zooxanthellae provide nearly all nutrition. Supplemental feeding unnecessary but phytoplankton may accelerate growth |
| Temperament | Sessile and robust. Mushroom-shaped with a leathery surface. Releases terpenes that can inhibit nearby SPS corals. Periodically closes polyps to renew mucus. |
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