Leather Coral

Names & Synonyms

• CommonLeather Coral
• Commonウミキノコ
• SynonymAreocella
• SynonymSarcophytum

Overview

Leather corals (genera Sinularia, Sarcophyton, family Alcyoniidae) are soft corals named for their leathery texture, found widely on shallow Indo-Pacific reefs in mushroom, finger, and lobed growth forms. Their small polyps are typically white, green, or brown. These corals periodically shed their outer skin layer—a normal detoxification process. They are hardy and forgiving, thriving under moderate lighting (150–250 PAR) and moderate flow. Activated carbon and protein skimming are recommended as they release terpenoid compounds that can inhibit neighboring corals. Propagation via fragging is straightforward, making them ideal beginner corals.

Care Specifications

Care Points

• Lighting—Moderate LED lighting
• Flow—Moderate
• Shedding—Periodically releases mucus — normal behavior
• Placement—Place with room to grow
• Notes—Releases chemicals — protein skimmer recommended

Regulatory & Conservation

Notes:

八放サンゴ(Sarcophyton, Alcyoniidae=ウミキノコ)。ソフトコーラル=CITES 非掲載。

Sources

• AlgaeBarn: SPS/LPS/soft care(careSpec)
• AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101(careSpec)
• DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals(掲載科に Alcyoniidae 含まず)(regulatory)
• Wikipedia(detail)

Related corals of the same type

Antheliaアンセリア（ウェービングハンド）softBeginnerA soft coral whose feathery polyps sway in flow. Similar to Xenia but with larger, always-open polyps; very hardy.Sinularia (Finger Leather Coral)ウミキノコモドキsoftBeginnerFinger-shaped branching soft coral. Related to leather corals and equally hardy. Cream, green, brown color varieties. Similar to Toadstool but with branching form.Toadstool CoralカタトサカsoftBeginnerBranching soft coral that is hardy with diverse color variations. Easy to frag and propagate.Pulsing Xeniaキサンゴ（パルスコーラル）softBeginnerUnique soft coral with pulsing polyps that rhythmically open and close. Mesmerizing movement. Hardy and proliferates quickly.Green Star PolypグリーンスターポリプsoftBeginnerA hardy soft coral with green star-shaped polyps on a mat. Beautiful fluorescent green.Cladiella (Colt Coral)クレナクティス（クラディエラ）softBeginnerSoft coral with soft finger-like branches. Also called Colt Coral. Very hardy and fast-growing. White and cream common. Safe choice for beginners.

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External Databases

• WoRMS