Toadstool Leather Coral Care Guide
Sarcophyton ehrenbergi is a hardy toadstool leather coral that is photosynthetic and produces a chemical defense, suited to beginner reefs.
Overview
Sarcophyton ehrenbergi is a soft coral of the genus Sarcophyton, the toadstool or leather corals. These octocorals form a stalked, mushroom-shaped colony with a broad cap (capitulum) bearing short polyps. Sarcophyton is one of the most beginner-friendly soft corals and tolerates a wide range of conditions.
Taxonomy
- Family: Alcyoniidae
- Genus: Sarcophyton (Lesson, 1834)
- Scientific name: Sarcophyton ehrenbergi
- Authority: von Marenzeller, 1886
Habitat
The genus is native to the Indo-Pacific. These corals are photosynthetic, obtaining most of their energy from symbiotic zooxanthellae, and are commonly kept in reef aquaria.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- Salinity: 1.024-1.026 SG
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- dKH (alkalinity): 8-11
- Calcium: 380-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Lighting: medium to high, around 75-200 PAR
- Flow: medium to high, ideally strong and randomized
Diet
Leather corals are photosynthetic and meet most of their energy needs through their zooxanthellae. Direct target-feeding is generally unnecessary and can foul the tissue, leading to secondary infection.
Chemical defense and shedding
Sarcophyton produces the toxic terpene macrolide sarcophytoxide, which acts as an antifeedant and gives an allelopathic advantage by reducing photosynthesis in neighboring corals such as Acropora formosa. The coral periodically retracts its polyps and develops a waxy mucus coat that it sheds; any shed material should be removed.
Compatibility
It is reef-safe and compatible with reef fish and shrimp, but because of its chemical defenses it should be given ample space from other corals it may irritate or burn on contact.