Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Widespread.
Natural Environment: Inhabit reef flats, lagoons and seaward slopes and usually seen at depths between 6 to 100 feet (2 - 30 m).
General Husbandry: These photosynthetic soft corals do better under medium light with moderate water movement.
Does not usually require hand feeding, as its nutrient requirements are met with nutrient absorption from surrounding waters and photosynthesis.
Needs sufficient space between its neighbors.
A good coral for beginners.
Taxonomy:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Anthozoa
Subclass: Octocorallia
Order: Anlcyonacea
Suborder: Alcyoniina
Family: Alcyoniidae
Genus: Sarcophyton
FYI: Can reach 32 inches (80 cm) in height.
Easily propagated from cuttings.
Mariculture specimens available in the trade.
Experience Level: Beginner
Diet: Photosynthetic/Absorption of nutrients
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium
Coral Safe:With caution
Fish Safe: Yes
Invertebrate Safe: Yes
Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Calcium (Ca): 380 - 430 mg/l
Alkalinity: 2.5 - 3.0 meq/l
Phosphate (PO4): <0.05 mg/l
Magnesium (Mg): approx. 1350 mg/l (relate to specific gravity)
Strontium (Sr) 8 - 10 mg/l
Temperature Range: 68 - 83°F (20 - 28°C)
Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons
Lighting: PAR 350 - 450+
Water Movement: WM 2 - 3
Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025
pH: 8.0 - 8.4
Iodine/Trace Elements Monitor/as necessary to maintain quality seawater.