Leather Coral, Sarcophyton species

Leather Coral, Sarcophyton species. Leather corals are a little less fussy when compared to hard corals (i.e., those with a hard skeleton that build reefs). They tend to be less particular about water temperature and quality, often coming from sheltered lagoons versus open waters. They also tend to have larger, more visible polyps that often sway in the current in a very graceful, hypnotic manner. Some get reasonably large and will even serve as alternate homes for anemone fish when there are no anemones present. Leather corals come in a wide assortment of colors, shapes and forms and, if split, will (in good conditions) develop into multiple complete corals. Finally, note that leather corals exude chemicals that will damage other competing coral species that they come in contact with and generally do best with a little space between them.