Mushroom Finger Leather Coral
(Sinularia sp. on Scleractinia)
Sinularia corals are found in various locations in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, the Great Barrier Reef, and the waters around Indonesia and Fiji. They typically inhabit shallow reef environments. Sinularia corals, like other reef-building corals, have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae. These algae live within the coral's tissues and provide them with nutrients through photosynthesis. However, Sinularia corals also have a higher dependency on capturing food particles from the water column compared to some other coral species. Sinularia corals are generally considered to be sensitive to elevated copper levels. It's important to avoid exposing them to copper, as it can be detrimental to their health. Sinularia corals are considered relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for beginner to intermediate reef aquarium enthusiasts. They prefer stable water conditions, moderate to high lighting, and moderate water flow. While they can benefit from supplemental feeding, they mainly rely on photosynthesis for their nutrition. Sinularia corals have a distinctive appearance with soft, leathery tissue and a finger-like or branching structure. They come in various colors, including shades of brown, green, yellow, and pink. Some species may also exhibit fluorescent or iridescent qualities under certain lighting conditions. Sinularia corals are known for their beautiful and swaying movements in response to water flow. They can also release toxins when stressed, so it's important to handle them with care and avoid placing them too close to other corals. Additionally, Sinularia corals can propagate through fragmentation, where a broken piece can grow into a new colony under favorable conditions. Corals will benefit from the addition of Calcium, Strontium, Iodine, Magnesium and Trace Elements.
Sinularia Corals are also known as Finger Leather Corals. They are commonly seen in the aquarium trade. They come in various colors, including shades of cream, tan, green or gray. The shape and size of Sinularia corals can vary, ranging from small and compact colonies to larger and more elaborate forms.
Water conditions: Salinity 1.023 - 1.025 Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Hardness 8 - 12 dKH
- Care: Easy
- Behavior: Social Agressive
- Diet: Frozen Food Live Food
- Habitat: Reef
- Light: Medium