The Long Polyp Leather is referred to as Sarcophyton Coral, Mushroom, Leather, or Trough Corals. They are found in various shades of brown, with white or gold polyps. It is difficult to identify many species because they all have the similar appearance of a mushroom or toadstool, each with a distinct stalk and capitulum (cap). As they grow older, they develop a folded appearance.

The Long Polyp Leather are relatively peaceful, but adequate space should be provided between them and other corals in the reef aquarium. Unlike other members of this genus, this unique strain has unsually long polyp stalks which will sway in the current in the reef aquarium.

This Long Polyp Leather is very easy to maintain in the reef aquarium and make an excellent coral for the beginning through expert reef aquarist. They require medium to high lighting combined with medium to strong water movement. For continued good health, they will also require the addition of iodine, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.

Culturing by the experienced hobbyist is often accomplished by cutting off a portion of the Coral’s crown and attaching that piece to live rock or placing it in the sandy bottom of the reef aquarium.

The symbiotic algae zooxanthellae hosted within its body provides the majority of its nutritional needs from the light driven process of photosynthesis. It will also benefit from additional food such as micro-plankton, baby brine shrimp, or foods designed for filter feeding invertebrates.

The Long Polyp Leather frags are attached to a small piece of rock that can be affixed to live rock anywhere in the aquarium with gel super glue or epoxy.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/2″ to 2″