Leather Coral
Sarcophyton cherbonnieri
Also known as: Mushroom Leather, Toadstool
A robust leather coral from Japanese waters, forgiving enough for new reefers.
About
Found within the Japanese Exclusive Economic Zone, Sarcophyton cherbonnieri is a leather coral belonging to the genus most hobbyists simply call toadstool or mushroom leathers. Like its close relatives, it builds a fleshy, rubbery colony with a broad, disc-like cap edged with polyps that extend to feed and retract when disturbed, sometimes staying closed for days at a stretch before reopening. A normal behavior that tends to alarm newer keepers the first time they see it. The colony surface has a distinctly wavy or ruffled quality that can help separate it from other Sarcophyton species, though pinning down an exact ID in this genus is notoriously tricky even for specialists. Leather corals as a group are well regarded in the hobby for their resilience, and this species fits that reputation. It tolerates moderate lighting and moderate flow, does not demand pristine water quality from day one, and generally makes a reasonable choice for someone still building experience with soft corals. One thing worth knowing is that Sarcophyton species periodically shed a waxy outer layer as part of normal growth, and during that process water quality can dip slightly, so good skimming and regular water changes help keep tankmates happy.
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.