Leather Coral
Sarcophyton skeltoni
Also known as: Toadstool Coral
A hardy Fijian leather coral that forgives beginner mistakes and grows steadily.
About
Native to the reefs of the Fiji Islands, Sarcophyton skeltoni is a leather coral in the toadstool family. A group known for being some of the toughest soft corals available to reef keepers. Like its close relatives, this species produces a fleshy, mushroom-shaped colony with a broad capitulum covered in polyps that extend during feeding and retract when disturbed. Leather corals in this genus are also known to periodically shed a thin waxy layer from their surface, which is a normal part of their biology and not a cause for alarm. During this shedding phase the polyps will stay retracted and the coral may look unhappy for a few days before bouncing back and opening fully. Because Sarcophyton corals release compounds into the water that can inhibit the growth of other corals nearby, good water flow and regular carbon use are sensible precautions in a mixed reef. That said, this species is genuinely well-suited to newer reef keepers. It tolerates moderate lighting and flow, does not require supplemental feeding to thrive, and tends to recover well from the minor fluctuations that are common in developing systems. A solid first leather coral.
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
