Leather Coral

About

Found on the reefs of the Fiji Islands, Sarcophyton aalbersbergi is a soft leather coral belonging to the toadstool and mushroom leather group, a family well known for tolerating a range of reef conditions. Like other sarcophytons, it presents a cap-like or lobed colony covered in polyps that extend during good flow and light periods, giving the coral a textured, living appearance. Leather corals as a group have a reputation for being forgiving, and this species fits that mold. It is considered a reasonable choice for newer reef keepers who are still getting their system dialed in. It does well under moderate lighting and appreciates steady but not aggressive water movement to keep detritus from settling on its surface and to encourage polyp extension. One thing worth knowing about leather corals in general is that they periodically shed a thin waxy layer from their surface, a normal process during which the polyps may stay retracted for several days. This can alarm newcomers, but the coral usually opens back up once the sloughing is complete. Beyond that, it is not particularly demanding and can serve as a solid anchor coral while a new reef system matures.