Leather Coral
Sarcophyton turschi
A hardy leather coral from the Seychelles, forgiving enough for new reef keepers.
About
Found within the waters of the Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone in the Indian Ocean, Sarcophyton turschi is a leather coral in the family Alcyoniidae. Like others in the Sarcophyton genus, it likely takes on a characteristic mushroom or toadstool form, with a thick, fleshy stalk topped by a broader capitulum covered in polyps. These polyps extend to feed and retract when disturbed, and it's completely normal to see the coral looking shriveled or closed for a day or two, especially after being moved or handled. Don't panic when that happens. It's just the nature of leather corals. What makes this genus genuinely appealing for newer reef keepers is their tolerance for less-than-perfect conditions. Sarcophyton corals are among the more forgiving soft corals you can keep, handling moderate lighting and moderate flow without much fuss. One thing worth knowing is that leather corals periodically shed a waxy film from their surface, which can temporarily cloud the water and irritate neighboring corals, so placement and good filtration matter. Beyond that, this is a relatively low-maintenance coral that can form an impressive colony over time with basic, consistent care.
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.