Tyree Toadstool Leather

The Toadstool Leather Coral is also known as the Sarcophyton Coral, Mushroom, Leather, or
Trough Coral. 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. While they will grow in many directions as they get larger,
they remain one single specimen and do not form colonies.
The Toadstool Coral is found off the waters of Australia and Fiji but many of the specimens available
for sale in the hobby are cultured rather than gathered from 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 in the
middle third of the aquarium. While it does not have any stinging tentacles it should be given
enough space that it will not touch other corals, as it can release a toxin that will stunt the growth of
nearby corals if it feels crowded. This is similar to many other leather corals.
The Toadstool 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.
The Toadstool 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 Toadstool Leather 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.
Occasionally, the Toadstool Leather Coral will go through a process where its polyps will not extend
and it may appear to be shedding some of its “skin”. This is completely normal and it will return to
normal after a few days. Like many soft corals it benefits from the addition of trace amounts of
iodine.