Indo-Pacific, from the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
beginner
Reef safe
with_caution
Lighting
Moderate to high
Flow
Moderate to strong
Care
Sinularia asterolobata is a leather coral that grows from an encrusting base into short, branching lobes and fingers. Its polyps are small, giving the surface a fuzzy look when open. Colours are cream, tan, green or brown. Place it low to mid in the tank. LiveAquaria lists Sinularia finger leathers as easy, with moderate to high light, medium to strong flow and bottom-to-middle placement. The species are hard to tell apart by eye. Water: LiveAquaria gives dKH 8–12, pH 8.1–8.4, specific gravity 1.023–1.025 and 22–26 °C, with iodine, strontium and trace elements. Growth is steady. Not CITES-listed. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/sinularia-finger-leather-coral). Checked October 2026.
Diet
Photosynthetic. It can also take microplankton, baby brine shrimp or filter-feeder foods, but these are optional.
Breeding
Cut a branch or finger with sharp scissors or a scalpel and attach it to rock or a plug with a rubber band, mesh or toothpick; it can also be laid on the sand to attach. Pieces root within a few weeks.
Compatibility and tank mates
Relatively peaceful, but like other leathers it can release chemicals that irritate stony corals. Give it space and run activated carbon. Keep it away from SPS downstream.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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