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Cladiella sp.
Soft coral with soft finger-like branches. Also called Colt Coral. Very hardy and fast-growing. White and cream common. Safe choice for beginners.
Cladiella (family Alcyoniidae) is an octocoral (soft coral) widely distributed across shallow Indo-Pacific reefs, known as cauliflower or finger leather coral. Small polyps cover soft, finger-like branching colonies, giving a muted look of brown polyps over a white to cream body; when the polyps retract the surface appears smooth. It is very easy to keep, tolerating low to moderate light and moderate flow as a hardy beginner soft coral. It periodically sheds a waxy surface film to self-clean, closing its polyps during the process, which is normal. It grows quickly and frags easily. Because it can release terpenoid compounds that compete with nearby corals, running activated carbon and allowing spacing is advisable.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Cladiella (Colt Coral) lives 10+ years.
The Cladiella (Colt Coral) grows to 10-30cm.
The ideal temperature for the Cladiella (Colt Coral) is 24〜28℃.
Origin
shallow reefs of the Indo-Pacific
Lifespan
10+ years
Size
10-30cm
Sources: AlgaeBarn: SPS/LPS/soft care / AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Octocorallia (Cladiella, Cladiellidae). Soft coral = not listed by CITES.
Sources: DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals (Cladiellidae family not included)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
24〜28℃
Photosynthesis + liquid food
It grows well under low to moderate lighting. A hardy beginner soft coral, it is not fussy about light levels.
It adapts to moderate flow. It competes with nearby corals by releasing terpenoid chemicals, so keep ample distance from other corals.
Keep the water at 24-28°C. Running activated carbon is advisable so the chemicals it releases do not affect other corals.
Cut and attach to rock. Takes ~2 weeks to attach
Occasionally closes polyps — this is normal behavior
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Cladiella (Colt Coral) is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Cladiella (Colt Coral) is 10+ years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Cladiella (Colt Coral) typically reaches 10-30cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Cladiella (Colt Coral) feeds on: Photosynthesis + liquid food. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Cladiella (Colt Coral) varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 15, 2026