
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Sarcophyton elegans
A soft coral that extends long slender polyps from a mushroom-shaped cap. The base colour is beige to greyish brown, sometimes yellow, with greenish or golden-brown polyps. It is hardy and suits beginners.
Sarcophyton elegans, described by Moser in 1919, is a toadstool leather coral, and WoRMS holds records from the Red Sea, the Seychelles and waters around Japan. Long slender polyps emerge across the upper surface of a flattened cap and wave in the current, which is the hallmark of this group. Ground colour runs from beige to greyish brown, sometimes yellow, with greenish or golden-brown polyps. It likes rather bright lighting but tolerates a range from medium to intense. It also likes brisk, chaotic water movement and tolerates moderate to strong current, though powerful direct jets should be avoided. Polyps open and close regularly, and they stay open most when light and flow suit it. If a new specimen develops a film and refuses to open, moving it to slightly stronger flow can help. The genus releases allelopathic compounds such as sarcophytoxide that suppress neighbouring corals, so carbon and a skimmer are advisable.
The ideal temperature for the Yellow Leather Coral (Sarcophyton Elegans) is 24〜27℃.
Origin
Indo-West Pacific (Red Sea, Seychelles, waters around Japan and elsewhere)
Temperature
24〜27℃
Mainly photosynthesis via zooxanthellae
It likes rather bright lighting but adapts across a range from medium to intense.
Sources: Wikipedia: Reef aquarium (water parameters) / AlgaeBarn: Keeping Toadstool Leather Corals / AlgaeBarn: Reconsidering Soft Corals
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.
Accepted name: Sarcophyton elegans Moser, 1919
Synonyms: Sarcophytum elegans
Authority databases: WoRMS
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Octocoral, order Malacalcyonacea (Sarcophyton elegans, Sarcophytidae). Not listed by CITES: it belongs to none of Scleractinia, Antipatharia, Helioporidae, Tubiporidae, Milleporidae or Stylasteridae.
Sources: DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals (taxon not listed) / CITES Appendices
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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It likes brisk, chaotic movement and tolerates moderate to strong flow; avoid powerful direct jets.
24-27 C and 1.022-1.025 specific gravity. As a soft coral it is less demanding on water chemistry than stony corals.
It lives mainly on photosynthesis and rarely needs deliberate feeding.
It releases sarcophytoxide and similar compounds that suppress neighbours; run carbon and a skimmer.
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 Yellow Leather Coral (Sarcophyton Elegans) is 24〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Yellow Leather Coral (Sarcophyton Elegans) feeds on: Mainly photosynthesis via zooxanthellae. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Yellow Leather Coral (Sarcophyton Elegans) varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026