From ReefPedia

[edit] Sarcophyton Difficulty: Easy Light: Low-Medium Aggression: Somewhat- Chemical Hardiness: Most bulletproof; S. elegans can be fragile Growth Rate: Medium Availability: Pretty common

Large Sarcophyton Leather

Introduction

Incredibly hardy and easily propagated, Sarcophyton species are excellent choices for beginning reef aquarists. Sarcophyton are tolerant of just about any lighting level, and will tolerate less-than-adequate water conditions.

Given the common name "toadstool" because of its rather long stalk and rounded cap that all members of the species have at one point of their lives. Some members in the genus keep this "toadstool/mushroom" shape their entire lives, whereas others only have the "toadstool" appearance at their younger stages.

In some species the cap will produce long polyps (measureable in inches) on a healthy coral. In others, the polyps will only extend a number of millimeters.

Common Names

Toadstool leather, Fiji Yellow Leather (S. elegans), mushroom leather

Scientific Names

• Sarcophyton sp.
• Sarcophyton elegans

Flow

Low-Medium indirect current.

Placement

Pretty much anywhere. This coral doesn't need a lot of light, so lower in the rockwork is a good idea.

Feeding

This coral will benefit from feedings of phytoplankton and respond with an increased growth rate.

Propagation

This coral is easily propagated, multiplies readily in healthy reef aquaria, and responds well to forced propagation by cutting.

The most difficult part of Sarcophyton propagation is getting the new frag to stay on its plug or rubble. A sewing needle and fishing line is a good technique for securing this coral frag until it attaches.

Aggression

As with many soft corals, the Sarcophyton will release toxins into the water to poison surrounding corals. If mixing this coral with stony corals, it is advisable to run Activated Carbon in your system at least periodically.

FAQ

Why is there a hole in my leather?

Typically, a hole in the cap of your Toadstool leather is the beginning of the coral's reproduction. As the hole grows larger and approaches the edge of the cap, a small piece of the coral will dangle from the mother colony and eventually drop.

My leather has been closed up for a few days/it looks glossy.

Leather corals, especially Sarcophyton sp., will shed often. When the coral sheds, it shuts down for a couple days to over a week. You'll begin to see a skin-like film develop and wash away with the current. Within a couple days of the shed being removed, the coral will emerge looking better than ever!

OK it's shedding. But it's been shedding for a really long time!

There may not be adequate flow on the coral, causing the "skin" to remain on the surface of the coral rather than being washed away. Aim a powerhead or return flow at the coral and give it a good blasting. Sometimes this is cause by "chemical warfare" by nearby corals. Move the corals futher apart or increase the water flow should help.