Sarcophyton lobulatum

Lesson, 1834

Mushroom Leather Coral

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Widespread.

Natural Environment: Inhabits reef tops, lagoons and reef slopes.

General Husbandry: Requires strong light and good water circulation.

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.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Octocorallia

Order: Anlcyonacea

Suborder: Alcyoniina

Family: Alcyoniidae

Genus: Sarcophyton

FYI: 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: 100 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.