Toadstool Coral
Sinularia sp.May, 1898Genus
Branching soft coral that is hardy with diverse color variations. Easy to frag and propagate.
Names & Synonyms
- CommonToadstool Coral
- Commonカタトサカ
Overview
Toadstool coral (genus Sarcophyton, family Alcyoniidae) is a large soft coral with a distinctive mushroom-shaped cap covered in dense polyps, native to shallow reef slopes and reef crests across the Indo-Pacific. Colonies can exceed 30–60 cm in diameter. Coloration ranges from white and cream to green. This hardy species tolerates a wide range of conditions, thriving under low to moderate lighting (100–200 PAR) and moderate flow. It periodically closes its polyps and sheds its outer skin—a normal detoxification process accompanied by brown mucus secretion. Fragging is easy, making it an excellent first coral for beginners.
Care Specifications
| Type | Soft coral |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24〜27℃ |
| Specific gravity | 1.023〜1.025 |
| Salinity | 33〜35 ppt |
| KH (carbonate hardness) | 8〜12 dKH |
| Lighting | Medium |
| Water flow | Medium |
| Placement | Any |
Care Points
- Lighting—Low to moderate
- Flow—Low to moderate
- Fragging—Simply cut branch and attach to rock
- Placement—Mid to lower tank placement
- Notes—Releases terpenes — use activated carbon
Regulatory & Conservation
- Notes:
- 八放サンゴ(Sinularia, Alcyoniidae=カタトサカ)。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)
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.
Leather CoralウミキノコsoftBeginnerSoft coral with large mushroom-shaped cap. Hardy and fast-growing. Periodically sheds mucus to remove old tissue.
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.
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.Related care articles
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