Indo-Pacific reefs, including Australia and Indonesia
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
Cladiella australis is a soft leather coral with short, rounded lobes covered in polyps. It is cream, tan or pinkish brown and looks woolly when open. It is slippery and produces mucus, especially when moved. Placement: any level on the rockwork. Light and flow: moderate to high light and medium to strong flow. Water and supplements: strontium, iodine and trace elements. Rinse off any shipping mucus in seawater before adding it to the tank. Naming: "colt coral" is used for both Cladiella and Klyxum; Cladiella has shorter lobes. LiveAquaria's colt coral is a Klyxum, so its figures are guidance for a close relative. Maricultured pieces are available. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/cauliflower-colt-coral). Checked October 2026.
Diet
Photosynthetic. Micro-plankton, baby brine shrimp or filter-feeder foods can help.
Breeding
Easy: cut off a lobe with a scalpel and attach the cutting to rock or rubble with a rubber band or mesh until it sticks.
Compatibility and tank mates
Chemically aggressive: colt corals can kill Sinularia and Sarcophyton leathers, so keep those out of reach. Give it space and run activated carbon.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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