© Rickard Zerpe / CC BY 2.0Sinularia Flexibilis
Sinularia flexibilis is a soft leather coral known for its long, finger-like branches that hang in loose, drooping clusters, earning it the nickname "spaghetti finger leather coral." Swaying gently with the current, it adds a graceful, flowing movement to any reef tank. As a photosynthetic coral that relies on its symbiotic zooxanthellae for energy, it thrives under adequate lighting and is considered one of the easier corals to keep, making it a popular choice for beginners. Keep in mind, though, that it releases chemical compounds that can suppress the growth of neighboring corals, so it's best given some breathing room in the aquascape.
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Sinularia Flexibilis key facts
- Care level
- Beginner-friendly
- Temperature
- 24〜27℃
- Diet
- Mainly photosynthesis via zooxanthellae
- Lighting
- Moderate lighting. It depends on zooxanthellae, so avoid very dim conditions.
- Flow & Placement
- Give moderate or stronger flow so sediment cannot collect between the branches; avoid direct jets.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- 24-27 C and 1.022-1.025 specific gravity. Its water chemistry demands are milder than a stony coral's.
- Feeding
- It lives mainly on photosynthesis and rarely needs deliberate feeding.
- Notes
- It releases chemicals that suppress nearby corals; run carbon and a skimmer and keep other corals spaced apart.
About Sinularia Flexibilis
A beginner-friendly guide to Sinularia flexibilis, the spaghetti finger leather coral, covering its drooping finger-like branches, photosynthetic care needs, and key husbandry tips.
7 things to know before welcoming a Sinularia Flexibilis
1Needs Adequate Lighting
Sinularia flexibilis hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae and relies on photosynthesis for much of its nutrition. Place it where light reaches well within the tank, and avoid dim, shaded spots.
2Prefers Moderate Flow
It prefers gentle, steady water movement, which makes its finger-like branches sway gracefully. Try to avoid both very strong turbulence and completely stagnant flow.
3Keep Distance From Other Corals
This coral releases chemical compounds that can suppress the growth of corals placed too close to it. Leave adequate spacing between it and neighboring corals in your aquascape.
4Periodically Sheds a Mucus Layer
Like other leather corals, it periodically sheds a thin mucus layer along with debris on its surface. It may look shrunken or dull for a while afterward, but it typically returns to its normal shape.
5Can Be Propagated by Cutting
It's also known as a coral that propagates relatively easily by cutting off a branch and growing it into a new colony. Use clean tools when fragging, and keep flow gentle until the cut surface has settled.
6Stable Water Quality Matters
Sudden swings in water chemistry or temperature can stress this coral, so keeping conditions stable through regular water changes and top-offs matters. It's best not to introduce it into a newly set-up tank.
7Acclimate Carefully After Arrival
After bringing it home, take time for a slow drip acclimation to ease it into the new water chemistry and temperature. If the polyps stay closed for a while after placement, that's often just adjustment, so give it time to settle in.
Frequently asked questions about Sinularia Flexibilis
- Q.Is Sinularia flexibilis suitable for beginners?
- A.Yes, it's generally considered a beginner-friendly species. As a photosynthetic coral, it does well with adequate lighting and moderate water flow, making it relatively easy to keep.
- Q.Can it be kept alongside other corals?
- A.It releases chemical compounds that can inhibit the growth of nearby corals, so it's best placed with generous spacing from other colonies. Plan your aquascape with enough room between species.
- Q.Why does it sway so much in the tank?
- A.Its long, finger-like branches are soft and naturally flex with water movement. This swaying is normal behavior for the species, not a sign of a health problem.
- Q.Is it a health problem if the surface looks slimy or shrunken?
- A.Leather corals like this one periodically shed a mucus layer from their surface, which can make them look shrunken during the process. In most cases this is temporary, and the coral returns to normal afterward.
- Q.Are there any legal restrictions on keeping it?
- A.Sinularia flexibilis is not listed under CITES.
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