Leather Coral Care Guide

Leather coral colonies close their polyps and remain contracted for several days to two weeks during the natural mucus shedding process, which can occur every 1-2 months as a self-cleaning mechanism to remove algae and debris. Shedding begins with complete polyp retraction, followed by the appearance of a shiny, waxy coating that the coral will eventually peel away. This behavior is completely normal and healthy, and the coral will emerge with fuller polyp extension and improved appearance after completing the shed. If the coral remains closed for longer than two weeks without visible mucus coating, you should investigate environmental causes including unstable water parameters (temperature, pH, salinity fluctuations), inadequate water flow preventing normal tissue function, sudden lighting changes causing photo shock, or poor water quality from elevated nutrients. Leather corals are also known for occasional "mood swings" where they close temporarily without obvious cause, typically reopening within a few days once conditions stabilize.

Leather coral species release terpenoid toxins through their mucus coating that can significantly harm neighboring corals, making them among the most aggressive chemical warriors in reef aquariums. These toxins cause tissue recession, growth suppression, and polyp closure in nearby stony corals and other soft coral species, particularly during mucus shedding events when toxin release intensifies. Reef keepers should maintain at least 6-8 inches of clear space around Leather Coral colonies and avoid placing sensitive SPS corals directly downstream in the water flow path. Running activated carbon continuously or at minimum during shedding events helps absorb dissolved toxins from the water column, providing protection for other coral inhabitants. Despite this chemical aggression, Leather corals succeed in mixed reef aquariums when proper spacing, strategic placement, and chemical filtration practices are maintained.

Leather coral colonies thrive when placed on rockwork in the bottom to middle third of the reef aquarium where they receive moderate lighting of 100-200 PAR and moderate, indirect water flow. The bottom of the tank provides excellent conditions for most Leather coral species, though specimens can also be mounted on exposed rock ledges or islands in the middle zone for display purposes. You should position Leather corals with adequate space to expand, as these corals can double in size within days of acclimation and will continue growing quickly when happy. It's possible for Leather corals to grow one inch every four months. Leave at least 6-8 inches of clear space around the colony to prevent chemical warfare toxins from affecting neighboring corals, and avoid placing Leather corals directly upstream from sensitive SPS species. Consider that larger Leather coral colonies can shade corals positioned below them as they expand, so plan placement along the back or sides of the aquarium where their height won't create problematic shadows.

Leather coral species are photosynthetic corals that derive most of their nutritional needs from zooxanthellae symbiotic algae living in their tissues, which produce energy through photosynthesis under appropriate lighting. These corals capture microplankton, dissolved organic matter, and nutrients directly from the aquarium water without requiring target feeding, making them exceptionally easy to maintain. Leather corals grow quickly in established reef aquariums with adequate fish populations and feeding, as fish waste and uneaten food provide sufficient dissolved nutrients. Some reef keepers choose to occasionally broadcast feed phytoplankton or extremely fine coral foods to enhance growth and coloration, though this is optional rather than necessary for coral health. The photosynthetic capability combined with passive filter feeding allows Leather corals to thrive in a wide range of reef aquarium systems without dedicated feeding protocols.

Leather coral colonies growth rate varies depending on species and environment. As a rough estimate, you could plan on approximately one inch in diameter every four months under optimal aquarium conditions of moderate lighting, adequate water flow, and stable parameters. Growth rates vary by species, with Sarcophyton (toadstool) and Sinularia generally showing faster expansion than the thicker Lobophytum (devil's hand) species. In reef aquariums, well-maintained Leather coral specimens commonly reach 8-12 inches in diameter over several years, requiring periodic fragging to prevent overgrowth and shading of neighboring corals. Wild Leather coral colonies can achieve massive size, with some Sarcophyton species documented at over 30 inches in diameter, though aquarium specimens normally requiring intervention long before that size. Leather corals often appear to grow in spurts, remaining relatively stable for weeks then expanding noticeably after completing a mucus shedding cycle.

Leather coral species are among the easiest corals to propagate through fragging, making them excellent candidates for reef aquarists interested in coral farming and sharing. Fragging involves using a sharp blade or scissors to cut sections from the parent colony, then attaching the fragments to rocks or frag plugs using super glue gel or rubber bands until the coral attaches naturally. Leather corals respond to fragging by closing temporarily for 3-7 days while healing the cut edges, then resuming normal polyp extension without additional intervention. The parent colony and frags both release mucus during the healing process, requiring removal of excess slime and activated carbon use to protect other tank inhabitants from elevated toxins. Successful frags should be placed in moderate flow and lighting identical to the parent colony's conditions, avoiding intense direct flow that could prevent attachment or damage healing tissue. Most Leather coral frags attach and begin growing within 2-4 weeks, eventually developing into full-sized colonies over the following months to years.