Source: Wikimedia Commons
Leather Coral
BeginnerSarcophyton sp.
Soft coral with large mushroom-shaped cap. Hardy and fast-growing. Periodically sheds mucus to remove old tissue.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
24〜27℃
Lifespan
15+ years with proper care
Diet
Primarily photosynthesis
About
Leather corals (genera Sinularia, Sarcophyton, family Alcyoniidae) are soft corals named for their leathery texture, found widely on shallow Indo-Pacific reefs in mushroom, finger, and lobed growth forms. Their small polyps are typically white, green, or brown. These corals periodically shed their outer skin layer—a normal detoxification process. They are hardy and forgiving, thriving under moderate lighting (150–250 PAR) and moderate flow. Activated carbon and protein skimming are recommended as they release terpenoid compounds that can inhibit neighboring corals. Propagation via fragging is straightforward, making them ideal beginner corals.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Basic Info
Origin
shallow tropical reefs of the Indo-Pacific
Lifespan
15+ years with proper care
Temperature
24〜27℃
Diet
Primarily photosynthesis
Care Guide
Lighting
Moderate LED lighting
Flow
Moderate
Shedding
Periodically releases mucus — normal behavior
Placement
Place with room to grow
Notes
Releases chemicals — protein skimmer recommended
Beginner-friendlySoft coralLargeHardy
Leather Coral FAQ
QHow difficult is it to keep Leather Coral?
A
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Leather Coral?
A
The ideal temperature for Leather Coral is 24〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QWhat is the lifespan of Leather Coral?
A
The average lifespan of Leather Coral is 15+ years with proper care. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
QWhat should I feed Leather Coral?
A
Leather Coral feeds on: Primarily photosynthesis. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
QWhat is the typical price for Leather Coral?
A
The price of Leather Coral varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
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