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Coral Guide |  |
Family: Alcyoniidae (Octocorals)
Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats, preferring strong water currents.
Light: High Water Flow: High Space: 50+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Easy Temperament: Caution
Diet: The octocorals are generally polytrophic - getting nutrition from zooxanthellae (algae) in their tissues, nutrient uptake from the seawater, and feeding on microplankton.
Natural History: Sinularia is a large genus of soft corals with strong supporting sclerites that thrive in shallow water and stronger water currents. Their skin feels tough and leather and is not easily torn. They are often the most common coral in shallow reef waters. They produce particularly toxic terpenes (flexibilide and dihydrofelxibilide) which are destructive to stony corals. Large specimens can reach over 12 inches in height.
Husbandry: Cabbage leather corals are very hardy. They tolerate verious lighting conditions and can grow quite large for an aquarium. They can be dipped to treat infestations of planarias and nudibranchs.
AKA: Flexible Leather Coral, Flat Leather Coral