Long Tentacle Japanese Leather Coral

Long Tentacle Leather Coral
(Sarcophyton sp.)
Placement: Low to Mid
Light: Moderate
Flow: Moderate
Care Level: Easy
Type: Soft Coral
Compatibility: Peaceful
Growth Rate: Moderately Fast
Photosynthetic: Yes
Special Care:
The Long Tentacle Leather Coral is a unique morph of a family that also includes the Sarcophyton
Coral, Mushroom, Leather, or Trough Coral. Like its cousins, it is found in shades of brown, tan or
green and has white or gold polyps. Each of the polyps has 8 small tentacles. This coral initially is
shaped like a mushroom, but as they grow bigger they take on a more folded appearance. What
makes this variety different from other similar types is its long tentacles, which will sway in the
waterflow. While they will grow in many directions as they get larger, they remain one single
specimen and do not form colonies.
The Long Tentacle Leather Coral is found in the Indo-Pacific region but many of the specimens
available for sale in the hobby are aquacultured rather than gathered from the wild. Much of what is
available for sale in North America is cultivated by ORA. In the wild, it is usually found in the less
turbulent waters of the reef. In a home aquarium, it can be placed on an exposed rock ledge pretty
much anywhere in the aquarium or even the substrate. While it does have long tentacles, they do
not sting and it poses no threat to other corals.
The Long Tentacle Leather Coral prefers moderate amounts of flow and moderate lighting levels.
The flow should be sufficient to prevent the buildup of detritus but not so strong as to cause the coral
to fold backwards over itself. Too much flow or lighting that is too intense may also cause the polyps
to remain retracted. However, much of this coral’s popularity is due to the fact that it has tentacles
that sway so some flow is necessary.
The Long Tentacle Leather Coral is photosynthetic and is capable of meeting all of its energy needs
through the tank’s lighting. However, many aquarists report both improved growth and colouration
when it is target fed. It can be fed phytoplankton or dissolved foods designed for filter feeders.
It is fairly easy to frag a Long TentacleLeather Coral. Once the specimen becomes large enough a
piece can be carefully cut and placed with a piece of live rock or a frag plug in a low flow area of the
tank. Some hobbyists will also use a small basket. While the coral piece cannot be glued to the
plug or rock, if left undisturbed it will attach itself to the rubble rock or frag plug and continue to grow.
Long Tentacle Leather Corals are a great way to add movement to a home reef tank and are prized
for their peaceful nature and hardiness.