Toadstool Leather Coral (Sarcophyton spp.)
Transform your marine aquarium into a vibrant underwater oasis with the Toadstool Leather Coral. Known for its lush, finger-like polyps and striking textures, this hardy coral adds a touch of elegance and movement to your reef tank. The Toadstool Leather Coral features a soft, leathery surface that undulates gracefully with water flow, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. Its natural hues range from soft greens to rich browns, providing a perfect contrast against other marine life and enhancing the overall aesthetic of your aquarium.
Key Features:
- Species: Sarcophyton spp.
- Appearance: Finger-like polyps with a leathery, textured surface.
- Coloration: Varied shades including soft greens, browns, and tans.
- Size: Can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter.
- Placement: Ideal for mid to lower parts of the aquarium where it has space to spread.
Care Requirements:
1. Lighting: The Toadstool Leather Coral prefers moderate lighting. A combination of actinic and white light is ideal to simulate natural conditions and encourage vibrant coloration. LED or T5 lighting setups work well.
2. Water Flow: Moderate water flow is best. Too much flow can cause stress, while too little may lead to poor health and reduced growth. Aim for gentle to moderate water movement to help the coral’s polyps extend fully.
3. Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C)
- Salinity: 1.025-1.027 specific gravity
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Nitrate: < 10 ppm
4. Feeding: Toadstool Leather Corals are primarily photosynthetic but can benefit from occasional feeding. Offer fine marine foods like phytoplankton or liquid coral foods once or twice a week to support overall health.
5. Maintenance: Regular water changes (10-15% weekly) help maintain optimal water quality. Periodically check for any signs of pests or diseases and ensure the coral has adequate space to grow.
6. Placement: Provide ample space around the coral to accommodate its growth. Avoid placing it near aggressive corals or in direct competition for space.
With the right care, the Toadstool Leather Coral can thrive and become a stunning focal point in your aquarium, bringing a touch of the ocean’s beauty to your home.
The symbiotic algae zooxanthellae hosted within its body provides the majority of its nutritional needs from the light driven process of photosynthesis. It will also benefit from additional food such as micro-plankton, baby brine shrimp, or foods designed for filter feeding invertebrates such as our
Live Rock and Coral Food.
This coral is normally shipped an inch and a half to two and a half inches, attached to a small piece of live rock or rubble.
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