Green Toadstool Coral

Toadstool Coral: The Hardy Leather Showpiece

The Toadstool Coral (Sarcophyton sp.), often called the Toadstool Leather or Mushroom Leather Coral, is a large, hardy, and extremely popular soft coral among reef aquarists of all skill levels. It is recognized by its distinct mushroom or toadstool shape, featuring a thick stalk and a wide, fleshy cap, called the capitulum. Long, flowing polyps extend from the cap, creating a graceful, swaying appearance in the aquarium current.

Native to the Indo-Pacific, Sarcophyton species are known for their resilience and fast growth. They can come in various colors, from common tan and brown to striking bright green or yellow polyps on a contrasting base. As a soft coral, it does not build a rigid calcium carbonate skeleton, making it less dependent on high calcium and alkalinity levels than stony corals (SPS/LPS).

The Toadstool Coral is known to regularly shed a thin, waxy layer of tissue, a process called "sloughing." This is a natural mechanism to clean its surface of detritus and algae, and it will retract its polyps (or "pout") for a few days before shedding the layer and re-emerging brighter and fully expanded.

Care & Compatibility:

• Lighting: Moderate to High (PAR 80–250). While adaptable, the Toadstool Coral thrives under strong lighting, which fuels the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living in its tissue. Place it in the middle to upper portion of the aquascape. If lighting is too low, the coral will stretch its stalk unnaturally toward the light source.
• Water Flow: Moderate to High. Good, chaotic water movement is essential. It helps deliver nutrients and, critically, aids the coral in successfully shedding its protective waxy layer. Insufficient flow can lead to algae growth and health issues.
• Feeding: Primarily fueled by its zooxanthellae (photosynthesis). However, it will benefit from supplemental feedings of planktonic foods, such as phytoplankton or marine snow, offered 1–2 times per week.
• Tankmates: Generally Peaceful. They are not prone to stinging other corals but are considered chemically aggressive (allelopathy). They release terpenes (toxins) into the water to inhibit the growth of competing corals. To mitigate this, ensure strong chemical filtration (e.g., granular activated carbon) is run and replaced regularly.
• Placement: Due to its potential for size (some can reach 10–15 inches across the cap) and its chemical nature, the Toadstool Coral requires ample space, particularly away from more sensitive SPS and LPS corals. It often makes a great host for Clownfish.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Sarcophyton sp.
• Primary Common Name: Toadstool Coral
• Other Common Names: Toadstool Leather, Mushroom Leather Coral, Green Polyp Toadstool
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Max Size: Up to 15 inches (38 cm) cap diameter
• Temperament: Peaceful (Chemically aggressive to other corals)
• Diet: Photosynthesis (Zooxanthellae) + Microplanktonic Food
• Minimum Tank Size: 50+ Gallons (Due to eventual size)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes, with Caution (Requires activated carbon)