Leather Coral
Sarcophyton acutum
A New Caledonian soft coral well-suited to beginner reef tanks.
About
Found on tropical reefs off New Caledonia in the Western Central Pacific, Sarcophyton acutum is a sessile soft coral belonging to the leather coral group. Like other members of its genus, it likely forms a mushroom-like or toadstool shape, a broad, fleshy cap sitting atop a stout column, though specific morphological details for this particular species are limited in the hobbyist literature. What we do know is that it carries a beginner-friendly reputation, making it a reasonable choice for newer reef keepers who want to start building experience with soft corals. It does well under moderate lighting and moderate water flow, conditions that are straightforward to achieve in most established reef systems. Leather corals as a group are known for being fairly forgiving and adaptable compared to stony corals, and Sarcophyton species in general can periodically shed a waxy coat from their surface. A normal process, not a sign of trouble, though it can temporarily cloud the water. Given how little species-specific hobbyist data exists for S. acutum specifically, pairing it with care practices that work well for the broader Sarcophyton genus is your best approach.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Leather Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What does the Leather Coral eat?
- The Leather Coral is a filter feeder. It eats tiny particles suspended in the water and usually needs target feeding in a home tank.
- Is the Leather Coral reef safe?
- The Leather Coral is generally considered reef safe.