Encrusting leather coral (Rhytisma fulvum) care guide

Group
Corals
Other names
Parerythropodium fulvum, Encrusting leather
Family
Alcyoniidae (leather corals)
Origin
Red Sea and western Indian Ocean reefs
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
beginner
Reef safe
with_caution
Lighting
Moderate
Flow
Medium

Care

Rhytisma fulvum is an encrusting soft coral that spreads as a thin, fleshy sheet over rock, with short, tan to cream polyps that give it a furry look when open. It is common in the Red Sea and fast growing in aquariums. It has also been placed in the genus Parerythropodium. Neither LiveAquaria nor Top Shelf Aquatics lists this species; the figures are general guidance for the genus, not from a source. Placement: on a separate rock in low to middle positions, in moderate light and medium flow, where its spread can be controlled. Water: typical reef parameters (about 22–26 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, dKH 8–12). It is hardy and spreads quickly. Soft corals are not CITES-listed. Sources: general reef-keeping guidance only; neither LiveAquaria nor Top Shelf Aquatics lists it. Checked October 2026.

Diet

Photosynthetic; fine filter-feeder foods are optional.

Breeding

Easy. Place a rock or plug against the colony and it will grow onto it, or cut off a section of the sheet with the rock beneath it.

Compatibility and tank mates

It overgrows rock and other corals as it spreads, and like other leathers may affect neighbours chemically. Keep it on an isolated rock.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.