No photo yet
Sign in to submit the first photo
Toadstool Coral
Sarcophyton trocheliophorum
Animalia›Cnidaria›Anthozoa›Alcyoniidae
📍 Indo-Pacific Reef Systems
The toadstool coral is a large, distinctive soft coral with a stalk and a broad, ruffled cap covered in polyps. One of the most beginner-friendly reef corals, it tolerates a wide range of conditions. It periodically closes up and sheds a waxy film — normal behaviour.
Tank Mates
Hardy reef fish that tolerate soft coral allelopathy and moderate water flow
Beneficial invertebrate that removes parasites and detritus without harming coral tissue
Small, reef-safe fish that maintains low bioload and avoids coral predation
Peaceful grazer that controls algae without disturbing coral polyps
Active bottom-dweller that respects coral and maintains water column movement
Reef-safe invertebrate that aids in tank maintenance and poses no threat to soft corals
Common Diseases
Coral Bleaching
Loss of coloration, polyps remain retracted, tissue appears white or translucent
Improve water quality (check calcium, alkalinity, salinity), reduce light intensity temporarily, ensure stable temperature (24-27°C), increase water flow, and perform partial water changes
Brown Jelly Disease
Brown, slimy film covering coral tissue, rapid tissue recession, foul odor
Isolate affected coral if possible, perform large water changes, improve water flow and oxygenation, remove decaying organic matter, consider antibiotic dips (consult experienced aquarist)
Polyp Necrosis
Polyps fail to extend, tissue darkening or whitening, localized tissue death
Check water parameters (pH, alkalinity, calcium), ensure adequate lighting and flow, reduce stressors, perform water changes, verify no allelopathic competition from nearby corals
Pest Infestation (Nudibranchs, Flatworms)
Visible small organisms on coral, rapid tissue damage, polyps not extending
Manual removal of visible pests, dip coral in freshwater or specialized coral dip, quarantine affected specimen, improve tank cleanliness and water quality
Community Photos
0 photosPhotos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Toadstool Coral to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Tips from the community 💡
0 tipsReal experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.
Sign in to share your experience.
No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!
Quick Facts
- flow
- Moderate
- light
- Low to high
- feeding
- Primarily photosynthetic
- tank size
- 50 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Produces chemicals toxic to SPS – maintain spacing
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)