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[edit] Sarcophyton elegans Difficulty: Medium-Hard Light: Medium-High Aggression: Somewhat- Chemical Hardiness: Delicate* see below Growth Rate: Medium Availability: Somewhat common

S. elegans

Introduction

Sarcophyton elegans, also known as the Fiji Yellow Leather, is similar to a toadstool leather coral in shape and polpy structure, but definitely has a unique look. S. elegans is more commonly rounded with less-defined lobes and bright yellow in color.

Unfortunately, this truly gorgeous species' hardiness is not typical of the genus Sarcophyton (which is usually near-bulletproof).

Difficult to propagate, difficult to ship, means it's tough to find a good S. elegans - when you do, hang on to it!

Common Names

• Fiji Yellow Leather
• Yellow Leather

Scientific Names

S. elegans

Hardiness

Difficult

While plenty of reefkeepers have had success with this coral, many have not. It does not ship well, so it is highly recommended that you monitor a S. elegans at your local store for several weeks before purchase, keeping an eye out for any visible signs of decline. Many S. elegans corals come in looking beautiful, only to wither and die within the first several weeks in captivity.

Furthermore, the coral does not seem to respond well to stress. This includes shipping and propagation and, to a lesser degree, water quality and aggression from other corals. Wounded S. elegans heal slowly, and often, not at all. The elegans seems to be sensitive to the the human touch and exposure to air [Borneman]. Neither will kill the animal but it will be stressed.

Flow

Medium, though the aquarist should keep an eye on placement and adjust accordingly if the coral begins to look unhappy or stressed.

Lighting

Medium-High - this coral seems to require more light than typical Sarcophyton species.

Placement

Varies by specimen and tank conditions.

Feeding

Does not need to be fed; however, this coral may benefit from occasional feedings of cyclopeeze targeted toward the polyps.

Propagation

This coral does not handle forced propagation well, especially cutting. Furthermore, it is slow to reproduce asexually and many do not at all in captivity.

Cutting results in a wounded mother colony and a wounded daughter colony, both which may not survive the stress.

If the frag does survive, it may prove difficult to attach to rock. Over time, however, a healthy frag will attach.

The best chances for survival of both mother and daughter colonies comes from propagation by constriction- using a zip-tie or similar to slowly pinch off a piece of the coral by tightening the zip-tie in small increments over days or weeks.

Predators

Any known natural predators of this coral to look out for?

FAQ

Commonly-asked questions regarding the coral.