Not furry either, still lovely.
Toadstool Leather Coral
Sarcophyton spp.
Also called Toadstool coral, Mushroom leather coral, Rough leather coral (S. glaucum)
From From the Red Sea to the western Pacific (S. glaucum); aquarium stock comes from Indonesia, Tonga, other Indo-Pacific areas and mariculture.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
S. glaucum colonies reach up to about 80 cm across; aquarium pieces are sold at about 4-18 cm.
Looks how to spot one
Fleshy soft coral (no hard skeleton)
Shaped like a toadstool: a smooth stalk carrying a broad cap covered in small polyps, each with eight tentacles. As it grows larger the cap edge becomes wavy and folded.12
Personality what they are like
A peaceful coral toward tankmates, but it releases natural chemicals that can bother nearby corals, so it needs its own space.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Sessile; extends its polyps to feed and grows steadily into a large mushroom shape.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Easy care. Top up strontium, trace elements and iodine. It can be propagated by cutting pieces from the cap. Leave generous space around it.2
Home where they are happiest
A reef aquarium with medium to high light and medium flow; it can go anywhere in the tank. Stable reef-aquarium water: about 22-26 C (72-78 F), pH 8.1-8.4, alkalinity 8-12 dKH, specific gravity 1.023-1.025.21
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Mostly fed through photosynthesis by the algae in its tissue; micro-plankton, baby brine shrimp or filter-feeder foods can be offered as extras.2
Company who they like around
Lives as a single colony; keep it apart from other soft and stony corals because of its chemical defences.23
The story where it all began
Lesson named the genus Sarcophyton in 1834, a year after Quoy and Gaimard described S. glaucum. These corals are widespread on Indo-Pacific reefs and are now commonly kept and farmed for the aquarium trade.31
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
A single toadstool colony can grow to about 80 cm across.1
- 2
It makes a natural compound called sarcophytoxide that puts off grazers and slows the growth of nearby corals.3
- 3
The false cowry, a sea snail, feeds on Sarcophyton and seems able to handle its chemical defences.3
- 4
Scientists study S. glaucum for the unusual natural compounds it produces.1
- 5
Each polyp has eight tentacles, the mark of an octocoral.1
Recognised by the official bits
- Taxonomy (via Wikipedia)
- Genus Sarcophyton Lesson, 1834 (family Alcyoniidae), with 60+ species. S. glaucum (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833) is the best-known toadstool.3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Toadstool Leather Coral. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingDepends on species, many feed from the light and the watervaries
- Salinity checkevery week
- Water testevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Light checkevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Toadstool Leather Coral?
This coral gets most of its food from the algae living in its tissue, so it doesn't need frequent feeding. You can offer micro-plankton or baby brine shrimp as a treat once or twice a week, but it's not essential. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding depends on the species, so watch your coral's response and ask a reef-savvy vet if unsure.2 Furry Diary plan
What does a Toadstool Leather Coral eat, and what should it never eat?
It mostly feeds through photosynthesis, but you can offer micro-plankton, baby brine shrimp or filter-feeder foods as extras. Never feed it large meaty foods or anything that could rot and foul the water. Stick to tiny, coral-safe foods and follow the label on any prepared coral food.2
How much space does a Toadstool Leather Coral need?
Give it generous space because it releases natural chemicals that can bother nearby corals. A reef aquarium with room for it to grow into a large mushroom shape is ideal. Leave several inches between it and other corals to keep everyone happy.23
What temperature, light or water does a Toadstool Leather Coral need?
It needs stable reef-aquarium water: 22-26°C (72-78°F), pH 8.1-8.4, alkalinity 8-12 dKH, and specific gravity 1.023-1.025. Provide medium to high light and medium water flow. Furry Diary's plan includes weekly salinity checks and monthly light checks to keep conditions steady.21 Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Toadstool Leather Coral's home?
Perform a 10-20% water change every two weeks, and top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Weekly water tests and salinity checks help maintain clean, stable conditions. Spot-clean any algae or debris as needed, but avoid disturbing the coral itself. Furry Diary plan
Can a Toadstool Leather Coral live with others?
Yes, it is peaceful toward tankmates, but it releases chemicals that can stress nearby soft and stony corals. Keep it apart from other corals to avoid conflict. Fish and other invertebrates are usually fine as long as they don't nip at it.23
How long does a Toadstool Leather Coral live?
With proper care, it can live for many years in a stable reef aquarium. Its lifespan varies based on water quality, lighting, and overall tank conditions. Ask a good breeder or reef-savvy vet for more specific expectations.
Can I handle a Toadstool Leather Coral?
It's best to avoid handling it directly, as it is a soft, fleshy coral that can be damaged or stressed. If you need to move it, use clean, coral-safe tools and wear gloves to protect both you and the coral. Always handle gently and minimize contact.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Sarcophyton glaucum (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for range, colony size, polyps, habitat, research interest, history
- Toadstool Mushroom Leather Coral (LiveAquaria care sheet) liveaquaria.comused for care, light, flow, water values, colours, sizes, feeding, propagation
- Sarcophyton (coral) (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for genus, author, species count, chemical defences, predator, aquarium use
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.