Why is my Toadstool Leather Coral closed up and shiny?

This is a natural process called shedding. The coral creates a waxy mucus layer to slough off built-up algae and detritus. Strong, chaotic water flow helps to blow this film away, and the polyps will return once the process is complete.

Can clownfish host in a Toadstool Coral?

Yes, many clownfish readily adopt a large Toadstool as a surrogate host. While the coral might close its polyps initially due to the irritation, it usually adapts to their presence without suffering any long-term harm.

Do Toadstool Corals sting other corals?

No, they do not possess the stinging cells (nematocysts) found in many stony corals. However, they can release toxic chemicals called terpenes into the water to deter other corals from growing too close, a process known as allelopathy.

How large can a Toadstool Leather Coral grow?

In the wild, some colonies can reach over a metre across. In home aquariums, they frequently exceed 30 cm in diameter if given enough space, adequate lighting, and time.

How do I frag my Toadstool Coral?

Using a clean, sharp scalpel or surgical scissors, you can simply cut a slice or wedge from the edge of the coral's crown. You can then attach this cutting to a frag plug or a piece of rubble using a loose rubber band or thread until it naturally adheres.

MarineCoralsBeginner

Toadstool Leather Coral

Sarcophyton spp.

The Toadstool Leather Coral is a hardy, iconic soft coral that thrives in mixed reefs, making it an excellent centrepiece for both beginners and experienced marine keepers.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 27 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
Salinity: 1.023 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 15 – 60 cm
100L minimum for mature colonies: 100 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 50 years
Diet: Photosynthetic and filter feeder
Water flow: Moderate to strong
Preferred setup: Stable marine reef environment with adequate spacing from sensitive stony corals

About the Toadstool Leather Coral

Belonging to the genus Sarcophyton, these distinctive soft corals resemble large underwater mushrooms with a smooth stalk and a wide, undulating crown known as a capitulum. When fully extended, their surface is blanketed in long, hair-like polyps that catch passing microscopic particles. They are highly adaptable and widely regarded as one of the best beginner-friendly corals in the marine hobby.

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Where Toadstool Leather Coral comes from

Native range

Indo-Pacific, Red Sea, Oceania

Countries / regions

Australia, Fiji, Indonesia, Egypt

Habitat

Shallow reef flats, sunny lagoons, and reef slopes with moderate to strong water movement.

Widespread across the tropical Indo-Pacific ocean.

Similar species

Devil's Hand Leather Coral
Lobophytum spp.
Cabbage Leather Coral
Sinularia dura
Finger Leather Coral
Sinularia spp.

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

View all compatibility

Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Clownfish frequently adopt Toadstool corals as surrogate hosts if anemones are absent, and the coral typically tolerates the interaction well.
Great
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
Completely reef-safe herbivore that will ignore the coral while helping to keep algae off the surrounding rockwork.
Great
Peppermint Shrimp
Lysmata wurdemanni
A reef-safe invertebrate that acts as a cleaner and scavenger without harming soft corals.
Great
Small Polyp Stony (SPS) Corals
Acropora spp.
Sarcophyton corals can release toxic terpenes into the water (allelopathy) which may stunt the growth of sensitive SPS corals unless active carbon is used.
Compatible with caution
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Centropyge bispinosa
Dwarf angelfish are generally considered 'with caution' in reef setups, as individual fish may occasionally nip at the polyps of soft corals.
Compatible with caution
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Chaetodon lunula
Butterflyfish actively prey on coral polyps and will quickly damage or consume the Toadstool.
Not recommended
Bristletail Filefish
Acreichthys tomentosus
Known to frequently nip at and consume the soft tissue and polyps of leather corals.
Not recommended

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