Green Toadstool Leather

🟢 Green Toadstool Leather Coral – Care & Description

🧬 Scientific Name:

Sarcopython sp. or Sarcophyton sp. (Green variants)

🐠 Common Names:

Green Toadstool Leather, Green Polyp Toadstool, Toadstool Mushroom Coral

🌟 Description:

The Green Toadstool Leather Coral is a hardy soft coral known for its mushroom-cap shape and vibrant neon green polyps. Its large, fleshy stalk and smooth cap make it resemble a toadstool, and when its bright green tentacle-like polyps are extended, it creates a soft, flowing motion in the water.

It's a standout piece in any reef aquarium and adds movement and color without the demanding care requirements of some stony corals.

🛠️ Care Level:

Easy – Excellent for beginners and advanced hobbyists alike.

🌊 Water Parameters:

💡 Lighting:

• Moderate to high lighting (LEDs, T5s, or halides).

• Can adapt to a range, but brighter light brings out better color and polyp extension.

🌬️ Water Flow:

• Moderate to strong flow recommended.

• Helps the coral shed its waxy outer layer and keeps polyps extended and healthy.

🍽️ Feeding:

• Primarily photosynthetic via zooxanthellae.

• Can benefit from occasional target feeding with:

  • Phytoplankton

  • Coral amino acids

  • Marine snow-type products

📍 Placement:

• Mid to upper areas of the tank for best light and flow.

• Give plenty of space — mature toadstools can grow large and may shade or irritate neighboring corals with chemical warfare (allelopathy).

🔄 Behavior & Growth:

• Grows steadily and may retract or "shed" occasionally — this is normal.

• Shedding looks like a waxy film and helps the coral remove detritus and algae.

• Once settled, it often displays long, swaying polyps that are mesmerizing to watch.

⚠️ Compatibility:

• Generally peaceful but can release chemical compounds that affect sensitive SPS corals.

• Use activated carbon or regular water changes to manage.

✅ Pro Tips:

• Don’t be alarmed if it retracts for a few days — it's likely shedding.

• Use coral glue or epoxy to secure frags — once attached, they grow fast!

• Excellent “centerpiece” coral for softie or mixed reefs.