Toadstool leather coral
Sarcophyton glaucum
Family : Alcyoniidae
The toadstool leather coral (Sarcophyton glaucum) is a common soft coral of Indo-Pacific reefs, recognizable by its large fleshy stalk and retractable polyps forming a mushroom-like cap.
Description
Sarcophyton glaucum forms a mushroom-shaped colony with a thick, fleshy stalk and a broad, folded cap. The polyps are retractile and appear as small bumps when the colony is disturbed. Coloration ranges from beige to brown, sometimes with greenish or purplish hues. Colonies can reach 30 cm in diameter and 20 cm in height. There is no obvious sexual dimorphism, but asexual reproduction by fragmentation is common.
Habitat
Region :
This coral is found on shallow coral reefs, often on reef slopes and sandy areas with moderate current. It prefers clear, well-oxygenated waters between 1 and 20 meters depth. It is common in lagoons and reef flats.
Distribution :
Recommended parameters
Care
Care notes
A minimum tank size of 100 liters is recommended. Maintain temperature 24-27°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.023-1.025, calcium 400-450 ppm, magnesium 1250-1350 ppm, KH 8-12 dKH, nitrates <10 ppm, and phosphates <0.1 ppm. Moderate lighting and low to moderate flow are suitable. It is photosynthetic but benefits from occasional planktonic feedings. Caution: it can release toxins (sarcophytoxin) that affect neighboring corals; space it at least 20 cm from other corals.
Similar species
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