Sarcophyton: information and maintenance information in the aquarium. What to do if it does not open, feeding and position in the tank .
Sarcophyton is a very diverse genus of soft corals . Identifying many species of soft corals, including Sarcophyton , can be very difficult. The reason? Two specimens of the same species can have very different colors and shapes simply because they grew in different environments. Environmental factors such as salinity, temperature, light intensity, and water movement can affect the shapes and colors of these soft corals.
It is important to say that all species of the genus sarcophyton are extremely resistant and can be easily propagated by cuttings. They adapt well to different positions , tolerate changes in salinity and temperature, rather they can be sensitive to contact with stinging corals or stinging anemones or be bothered by some nudibranchs that can damage their tissues.
Sarcophyton: mushroom coral
The species of the genus Sarcophyton are photosynthetic. They have a broad base column with an enlarged apical area, a typical shape that resembles a mushroom or an umbrella. These corals are the easiest to maintain in an aquarium.
In nature they live anchored to rocky substrates.
Sarcophyton: position in aquarium
Sarcophyton is not very demanding. It grows well in a moderate to bright light position. It requires gentle water movement , but if you have the ability to adjust the movement pump to create occasional stronger waves, you can do so. This water movement (moderate with stronger peaks) is perfect for both soft corals and hard LPS corals. Regardless of the intensity of the movement, Sarcophyton requires good water circulation.
Sarcophyton: taxonomy
Let’s see, on a taxonomic level, how the species of the genus Sarcophyton are configured .
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Cnidaria
- Class: Anthozoa
- Subclass: Octocorallia
- Order: Anlcyonacea
- Suborder: Alcyoniina
- Family: ALcyoniidae
- Genus: Sarcophyton
The species that we most often find on the market are:
- Sarcophyton elegans
- Sarcophyton ehrenbergi
- Sarcophyton glaucum
- Sarcophyton latum
- Sarcophyton lobulatum
- Sarcophyton tenuispiculatum
- Sarcophyton trocheliophorum
Although the Sarcophyton genus has some very easy to keep species, not all species are extremely “peaceful”.
As a precaution, it is best not to keep Sarcophyton in direct contact with other corals.
What to do if the sarcophyton does not open?
If the sarcophyton has been closed for several days and does not open, give it more time. After about fifteen days, change its position. If you have recently introduced the coral into your aquarium, it is normal that it may remain closed for an initial period of adaptation.
You can try to stimulate their opening by administering soft coral foods.
Periodically, sarcophyton goes through a moulting period during which it sheds its surface tissue layer into the water.
Sarcophyton: fact sheet
Each species has its own profile, however, since it is a genus with similar needs, I will report the characteristics and nutritional needs of these soft corals.
Origin: widespread throughout the Western Pacific Ocean
Habitat: They live on rocky substrates, lagoons and reef sides.
General Requirements: Require good lighting (bright to moderate) and excellent water circulation with moderate movement.
Feeding : They generally do not require targeted administrations because they are able to satisfy their nutritional needs by absorbing nutrients already present in the aquarium. They are also photosynthetic. They can appreciate coral food, any liquid formulation is fine.
There are several products on the market, among the various, I would recommend the coral food A+B Reef Energy by Red Sea. The reason? It does not tend to raise nitrate levels and above all, unlike other coral foods, it does not stink! After opening you will have to keep it in the refrigerator and after administration, you will have to deactivate the skimmer for about 15 minutes.
Where to find it? In specialized shops, or by taking advantage of online sales where 2 bottles (precisely, one called A and one called B) can be bought for the price of 19.70 euros with free shipping. For the dosage, stick to what you read on the label but without forgetting how populated your tank is… If you have doubts, better one ml less than one more! So try not to overdo it.