Toadstool Leather Coral

Sarcophyton sp.

Care Level	Easy — great beginner coral
Lighting	Low to high
Water Flow	Moderate
Placement	Low to mid rock
Aggression	Peaceful (mild chemical warfare)
Coloration	Tan, cream, green, or yellow

Overview

The Toadstool Leather is a classic, hardy soft coral shaped like a mushroom or toadstool, with a broad cap covered in feeding polyps atop a thick stalk. It is a beginner favorite that tolerates a wide range of lighting and flow.

Care & Placement

Adaptable to low or high light and moderate flow. Leathers periodically shed a waxy film to clean off algae and detritus — during this they retract their polyps for a few days, which is normal. Give it space, as it can grow large.

Feeding

Mostly photosynthetic. Feeding is optional but occasional broadcast feeding of coral foods can boost growth.

Propagation

Frag by cutting a piece from the edge of the cap with a sharp blade and attaching it to a plug (rubber-band or pin it until it grips). The parent heals over quickly.

Cautions

Leathers release mild chemicals (terpenes) that can irritate nearby stony corals — run carbon and allow water flow/space. The periodic shedding/retraction is normal, not a sign of illness.