Toadstool Coral - How to Keep Your Leather Coral

If you're looking to add movement, texture, and resilience to your reef aquarium, few choices are as beginner-friendly and rewarding as the toadstool coral, also known as leather coral. These soft corals are popular among hobbyists for their hardiness, low-maintenance needs, and graceful, swaying polyps. Whether you’re new to reef keeping or expanding your coral variety, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your toadstool coral thriving.

Image submitted by: Catherine from Niagara Falls, ON

What Is a Toadstool Coral?

Toadstool corals are soft corals from the Sarcophyton genus and are commonly referred to as leather corals due to their smooth, leathery appearance. Named for their distinctive mushroom-like shape, they come in various forms, including long polyp and short polyp varieties. Their flowing tentacles create a mesmerizing, wave-like motion in your tank, adding natural beauty and dynamic movement.

Why Choose Toadstool Coral for Your Reef Aquarium?

• Beginner-Friendly: Toadstools are among the easiest corals to keep, making them perfect for hobbyists.

• Low Maintenance: They’re tolerant of a range of water conditions and lighting setups.

• Visually Striking: Their size and motion make them a beautiful centerpiece or background coral.

• Fast-Growing: Under the right conditions, leather corals grow quickly and are easy to frag.

Ideal Placement in the Tank

Toadstool corals prefer moderate to strong lighting and a gentle to moderate water flow. Ideal placement is:

• Middle to Upper Levels: This gives them ample light, especially if you're using LED or T5 lighting.

• Away from Aggressive Corals: Leather corals can engage in chemical warfare, releasing toxins that may harm or be harmed by nearby corals. Keep them at a safe distance from LPS and other sensitive species.

• Plenty of Space: Give them room to expand, as their polyps can extend significantly when fully open.

Lighting Requirements

Toadstool corals are quite adaptable when it comes to lighting:

• LEDs: A common and efficient choice. Most standard reef tank LEDs work well with leather corals.

• T5s: Also effective, especially when paired with a full-spectrum setup.

• PAR Range: Aim for 100–150 PAR. Too little light can cause retraction, while too much may bleach the coral.

Browse compatible reef aquarium lighting solutions at Reef Supplies.

Water Flow

Water flow is key to keeping your toadstool coral healthy:

• Moderate Flow: Encourages polyp extension and keeps the coral clean of detritus.

• Avoid Direct Blasts: Too much direct flow can cause the coral to stay closed or develop tissue damage.

• Pulsing Flow: Use a wavemaker to mimic natural currents—this helps the coral sway and self-clean.

Need help selecting a wavemaker? Explore flow pumps and accessories.

Water Parameters

Like most soft corals, toadstools prefer stable, clean water. Here are the ideal parameters:

Regular water changes and reef-specific test kits are crucial for maintaining stability. Toadstools also benefit from the occasional addition of trace elements and amino acids.

Compatibility with Other Corals and Livestock

Toadstool corals are generally peaceful, but they can release toxins that may affect sensitive neighbors. Consider the following:

• Keep Distance: At least 4–6 inches from other corals.

• Use Activated Carbon: Helps neutralize chemical compounds that may be released into the water.

• Fish Compatibility: Safe with most reef-safe fish, including clownfish (which may even host in larger toadstools).

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Here are a few challenges reef keepers may encounter with leather corals:

• Closed Polyps for Days: This could be due to a natural shedding phase, irritation from water flow, or changes in lighting.

• Brown Slime or Shedding: Leather corals periodically shed their outer layer. This is normal, but increase water flow slightly to help them slough it off.

• Melting or Tissue Loss: This is uncommon but can result from poor water quality or direct contact with aggressive corals. Check parameters and isolate if necessary.

Quick Tips for Success

• Start with a Healthy Specimen: Choose a coral with visible polyp extension and no damaged tissue.

• Acclimate Slowly: Use the drip acclimation method to minimize shock.

• Monitor Behavior: A happy toadstool will have extended polyps, sway with the current, and grow steadily.

• Trim When Needed: You can frag a healthy toadstool by slicing off a section with a clean blade and attaching it to a frag plug.

Final Thoughts

Toadstool corals (leather corals) are one of the best choices for hobbyists looking to add soft coral to their reef aquarium. Their durability, elegant motion, and forgiving nature make them a staple in both beginner and intermediate setups. With the right placement, lighting, and water flow, your toadstool coral will not only survive—but thrive.

Want to upgrade your setup or get advice on compatible equipment?
Contact Reef Supplies or browse our full selection of reef aquarium gear.