Red Sea Leather Coral

About

Found on the reefs of the Red Sea, Sarcophyton pauciplicatum is a leather coral in the toadstool group, recognizable by its broad, disc-like cap covered with small polyps that extend during feeding and retract when disturbed. Like most sarcophytons, it has a characteristic mushroom shape with a thick stalk and a ruffled or folded cap edge, though this species tends toward fewer, more subtle folds than some of its relatives. Hence the name. In the aquarium, it behaves much like other leathers: it periodically sheds a thin waxy coat, a normal process that can temporarily cloud the water and cause the polyps to stay retracted for several days. This can alarm newer keepers, but it is nothing to worry about. Good flow helps the coral shed this coating efficiently and keeps it looking its best. This is genuinely one of the more forgiving coral choices for a beginner reef tank. It tolerates a reasonable range of conditions and does not require intense lighting to thrive. It also tends to get along peacefully with other corals, provided it has enough space and is not crowded, since leather corals can release compounds that irritate sensitive neighbors.