Soft Corals

What types of corals are considered "soft corals"?

The soft coral category encompasses several distinct groups, including Zoanthids & Palythoas (colonial polyps forming colorful mats), Mushroom Corals (disc-shaped corals including Ricordea and Bounce Mushrooms), Leather Corals (Toadstool, Finger, and Cabbage varieties), Pulsing Corals (Xenia and Anthelia), and various Polyp Corals (Star Polyps, Clove Polyps). Unlike hard corals, soft corals lack a rigid calcium carbonate skeleton.

Are soft corals suitable for beginners?

Yes, many soft corals are excellent choices for beginners. They tend to be more forgiving of fluctuating water parameters and less demanding in terms of lighting and flow requirements compared to SPS corals. Varieties like Mushroom corals, Zoanthids, and Leather corals are particularly hardy and adaptable to a range of tank conditions, making them ideal starter corals.

What makes certain soft corals more valuable than others?

Several factors influence the value of soft corals: color intensity (vibrant or unusual colors command higher prices), unique patterns (distinctive markings or spots), special textures (like the bubbled surface of Bounce Mushrooms), rarity (limited availability varieties like OG Bounce Mushrooms), and unusual growth forms. Named varieties with established provenance often become collector's items with premium pricing.

What lighting do soft corals need?

Soft corals are generally more adaptable than other coral types and can thrive in low to moderate lighting, depending on the species. Specific needs vary, so it’s important to research individual types before adding them to your tank and deciding where to place them. As with any coral, it’s best to start with lower light levels and increase gradually to avoid stress or bleaching.

Do soft corals need to be fed?

Most soft corals get the majority of their nutrition from your tank's lighting through photosynthesis, thanks to symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues. They also absorb dissolved nutrients from the water column. In well-maintained tanks, they typically don’t require direct feeding.

Can I mix different types of soft corals together?

Yes, many soft corals can coexist peacefully, but proper spacing is important. Some soft corals (especially leathers) release allelopathic compounds that can inhibit the growth of neighboring corals. Provide adequate spacing between different colonies, and monitor for any signs of stress. Fast-growing species like Xenia can spread quick and overrunning slower-growing corals.

Can soft corals be kept with LPS and SPS corals?

Most soft corals can thrive alongside LPS and SPS varieties, though thoughtful planning goes a long way towards ensuring success. The main challenge is balancing different lighting, flow, and water parameter preferences, which can vary significantly between species. This can often be managed with strategic placement - for example, placing soft corals in the middle to lower regions of the tank, where lighting and flow are more moderate, and keeping SPS higher up where conditions are stronger.

Can I keep soft corals with fish and invertebrates?

Most fish are safe to keep with soft corals, but some species may nip at or eat them. For example, many butterflyfish are known to pick at corals and can quickly turn your soft coral into an expensive snack. Always research the behavior of any fish before adding them to your tank. The same goes for invertebrates—while many are reef-safe, certain nudibranchs, crabs, and other inverts may feed on soft corals, so it's important to research beforehand.