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Leather Coral
Sarcophyton spp.
Animalia›Cnidaria›Anthozoa›Alcyoniidae
📍 Indo-Pacific Reef Systems
Leather corals (toadstool corals) are large, robust soft corals with a mushroom-like form. They are extremely hardy and grow quickly, making them popular with beginners. They periodically shed a waxy coating and close up temporarily — this is normal behaviour.
Tank Mates
Hardy reef fish that coexist peacefully with soft corals and do not nip or damage polyps
Non-aggressive invertebrates that help maintain water quality without harming coral tissue
Algae-eating snails that stay mobile and do not disturb coral polyps or substrate
Peaceful burrowing invertebrate that maintains distance from corals while aerating substrate
Reef-safe fish with minimal interaction with soft corals; stays in lower water column
Common Diseases
Coral Rot / Necrosis
Darkening or bleaching of polyp tissue, visible tissue recession, foul odor from affected areas
Improve water quality (increase water changes), enhance flow around coral, remove visibly dead tissue with clean tools, and ensure adequate lighting and calcium levels
Bacterial Infection
Slime coating on polyps, loss of coloration, polyps failing to extend, visible lesions or pits in tissue
Perform 25% water change, increase aeration and flow, maintain stable water parameters, and consider quarantine if infection spreads to other corals
Bleaching
Loss of color, polyps appear pale or white, reduced feeding response
Reduce light intensity temporarily, check water temperature (maintain 24-27°C), verify calcium and alkalinity levels, and ensure adequate nutrient supplementation
Pest Infestation (Nudibranchs, Flatworms)
Small crawling organisms visible on coral surface, visible tissue damage, polyps not extending
Manual removal of visible pests with tweezers, increase water flow to dislodge larvae, consider dipping coral in freshwater bath, or use species-specific pest treatments if infestation is severe
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Quick Facts
- flow
- Moderate
- light
- Medium to high
- feeding
- Primarily photosynthetic; benefits from phytoplankton
- tank size
- 50 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Produces toxic compounds — keep away from other corals
Water it likes
- ph
- 8.1–8.3
- calcium
- 380–450 ppm
- salinity
- 1.025–1.026 SG
- alkalinity
- 8–11 dKH
- temperature
- 75–81°F (24–27°C)