Yellow toadstool leather coral (Sarcophyton elegans) care guide

Group
Corals
Other names
Yellow leather coral, Toadstool leather, Mushroom leather coral, Trough coral
Family
Alcyoniidae (leather corals)
Origin
Indo-West Pacific 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 to high; about PAR 100–200
Flow
Moderate to strong, varied

Care

Sarcophyton elegans is a soft leather coral with a stalk and a broad cap that becomes folded and ruffled as it grows. This species is creamy yellow to tan, with pale polyps. Placement: middle to upper rockwork on a solid rock, with room for the cap to spread. Light and flow: moderate to high light, increased gradually, and moderate to strong, varied flow, which helps it shed. Water and supplements: iodine, strontium and trace elements. It is hardy and fast-growing. Shedding: it closes for days at a time and sheds a waxy film; this is normal. Increase flow and keep conditions steady. Closure for more than two weeks suggests pests or poor water. LiveAquaria lists the yellow toadstool as "Sarcophyton sp."; Top Shelf's profile is for the green toadstool. Their guidance is for the genus. 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

Photosynthetic: zooxanthellae meet most of its needs. Occasional micro-plankton, baby brine shrimp or fine coral food blown across the polyps can help.

Breeding

Easy for experienced keepers: cut a piece of cap or the whole cap off the stalk with a clean scalpel and hold it on rubble with a rubber band, mesh or a toothpick until it attaches (glue does not stick well to leathers). The stalk will grow a new cap.

Compatibility and tank mates

Releases chemicals (terpenes) that can harm stony corals, especially SPS downstream. Give it about 10–20 cm of space, run fresh activated carbon and do regular water changes. Trim it if it touches other corals.

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.