Elegant leather coral
Sarcophyton elegans
Family : Alcyoniidae
A soft coral with fine, slender lobes, more delicate than S. trocheliophorum. Valued for its graceful shape.
Description
Sarcophyton elegans is distinguished by its elongated, finger-like lobes, often light beige to pink. The stalk is short and broad. Polyps are small and retractable. It grows slower than other Sarcophyton and can reach 30 cm. It also produces allelopathic toxins. In the aquarium, it prefers moderate lighting and low flow. Asexual reproduction by fragmentation is possible.
Habitat
Region :
Coral reefs, outer slopes
Distribution :
Recommended parameters
Care
Care notes
Parameters similar to S. trocheliophorum: 24-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.023-1.025. Moderate lighting (PAR 50-80), low to moderate flow. Beware of toxins: space it from other corals. Feed with phytoplankton or liquid foods once a week. A minimum of 80 liters is recommended. Compatible with peaceful fish and shrimp. Avoid coral-eating fish.
Similar species
Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance
