Common name: Leather coral

General information

The Toadstool Leather Coral, Sarcophyton glaucum, is a popular soft coral species known for its distinctive mushroom-like appearance and ease of care, making it a favorite among reef aquarium enthusiasts. It belongs to the family Alcyoniidae and is characterized by a broad, flat cap and a stalk-like base, resembling a toadstool. This coral is not only admired for its aesthetic appeal but also for its hardiness and ability to adapt to various lighting conditions.

Care

Toadstool Leather Corals are relatively undemanding, which contributes to their popularity in the hobby. They thrive in moderate lighting and water flow, which helps to keep their surface free of debris and promotes optimal health. It's important to provide them with enough space as they can grow quite large and may shade or overgrow neighboring corals. Regular feeding is not necessary, but they can benefit from occasional feedings of microplankton or other coral foods.

Symbiosis

While Toadstool Leather Corals do not have the same type of symbiotic relationships with fish as anemones do with clownfish, they do host a variety of small invertebrates and microfauna. These organisms find shelter within the coral's structure and, in turn, help to keep the coral clean by removing detritus.

Habitat

Sarcophyton glaucum is commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in shallow lagoons and reef slopes. They are adaptable and can be found at various depths, often forming large colonies that contribute significantly to the reef's structure and biodiversity.