Common name: Yellow Leather Coral

General information

The Toadstool Leather Coral, Sarcophyton elegans, is a popular soft coral species among reef aquarium enthusiasts due to its ease of care and distinctive mushroom-like appearance. It is characterized by a broad, cap-like top and a short stalk, resembling a toadstool. This coral is known for its leathery texture and may come in various shades of brown, green, or yellow.

Care

Toadstool Leather Corals are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both beginner and advanced reef keepers. They thrive in moderate lighting and water flow conditions. It's important to provide them with enough space as they can grow quite large and may shade or overgrow neighboring corals. Regular feeding with microplankton or other coral foods can promote growth and health, but they also receive a significant amount of their nutrition from the symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae, living in their tissues.

Symbiosis

While not hosting a wide array of marine life like some other corals, Toadstool Leather Corals can provide a surface for small invertebrates and fish to rest or seek shelter. Their broad, fleshy tops can be a resting place for small gobies and other fish.

Habitat

Sarcophyton elegans is found in the Indo-Pacific region, typically in shallow lagoons and on reef slopes. They are often seen at depths ranging from just below the surface to about 30 meters deep. In the wild, they prefer areas with moderate water movement which helps to keep their surface free of sediment and provides a steady supply of nutrients.