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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
Care Specifications
- Carbonate (KH)
- 8–12 dKH
- Water Temp.
- 24–27℃
- Specific Gravity
- 1.023–1.025
- Salinity
- 33–35 ppt
Soft coralLight: Medium (PAR 50-150)Flow: MediumPlacement: Flexible
Sources: AlgaeBarn: SPS/LPS/soft care / AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Sarcophyton sp. Lesson, 1834
Synonyms: Areocella, Sarcophytum
Authority databases: WoRMS
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listed
八放サンゴ(Sarcophyton, Alcyoniidae=ウミキノコ)。ソフトコーラル=CITES 非掲載。
Sources: DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals(掲載科に Alcyoniidae 含まず)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Leather Coral Listings
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