Toadstool leather coral (Sarcophyton glaucum) care guide

Group
Corals
Other names
Toadstool coral, Mushroom leather coral, Sarcophyton
Family
Alcyoniidae (leather corals)
Origin
Indo-Pacific and Red Sea, from East Africa to the central 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; about PAR 100–200
Flow
Moderate to strong, varied, indirect

Care

Sarcophyton glaucum is a soft coral with a smooth stalk and a broad, folded cap covered in long polyps. It looks like a toadstool. Colours are tan, cream, yellow or green, often with green or white polyps. Place it mid to high on a sturdy rock with room for the cap to grow wide. LiveAquaria lists toadstool leathers as easy and fast-growing, with moderate to high light and medium flow; Top Shelf suggests about PAR 100–200 and moderate to strong, varied flow. It sheds a waxy skin now and then and closes up while it does; good flow helps it clear. Water: LiveAquaria gives dKH 8–12, pH 8.1–8.4, specific gravity 1.023–1.025 and 22–26 °C, with iodine and trace elements. Top Shelf suggests 24–27 °C and stable conditions, raising light over 1–2 weeks. Not CITES-listed. Captive-grown frags are widely available. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/toadstool-mushroom-leather-coral-yellow-white); Top Shelf Aquatics (topshelfaquatics.com/pages/corals/green-toadstool-leather-coral). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Mainly photosynthetic. Phytoplankton, microplankton or fine coral foods can support growth but are not needed.

Breeding

Easy to frag: cut a wedge from the cap edge with a sharp scalpel or scissors, or cut off the whole cap above the stalk, and hold the piece against rock with a rubber band, mesh or a toothpick until it attaches (usually 1–2 weeks). The stump grows a new cap.

Compatibility and tank mates

It releases chemicals that can harm stony corals, especially those downstream. Run fresh activated carbon and good skimming. Top Shelf suggests 10–20 cm of clearance. It is not stung easily but its cap can shade neighbours.

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

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