Common Names

Chili Pepper Coral, Colt Coral, Dead Man’s Finger Coral, Encrusting Leather Coral, Finger Leather Coral

Description

While resembling leather corals they are distinct because they are slimy to the touch.  Alcyoniidae makes a great beginner coral.  They will tolerate varying aquarium conditions from cool to warm temperatures and low to bright light.  Alcyoniidae corals grow upright in small colonies.  Growth pattern can be variable but most encrust and lobate but can also have fingers.

Care Level: Easy to Medium

Placement: Bottom

Lighting: Moderate

Flow: Low

Conditions: 78°-84° (40°-59° for cold water specimens), s.g. 1.023-1.025, Phosphates 0, Cal 400-450, dKH 8-11, Mag 1200-1350, Sr 8-10

Conditions & Placement

Alcyoniidae should be placed towards the bottom of the aquarium is calm but not still flow locations.  They don’t require a lot of light but most do rely on photosynthesis for a good portion of their nutrition so should not be shaded.

Feeding

Alcyoniidae have developed several feeding strategies.  Theyget most of their energy through their symbiotic relationship with the algae zooxanthellae that lives in their tissue.  However they also capture microscopic food particles from the water column and absorb dissolved organic matter.  Some of the deep water Alcyoniidae  corals are not photosynthetic and must be fed.  In the reef aquarium they can be fed phytoplankton or zooplankton.

Maintenance

Stable tank conditions are needed to keep Sinularia.  Water changes of 20% a month or bi-weekly water changes of at least 10% are suggested.

Warnings

Some corals in the Alcyoniidae genus are cold water species and will require cooler temperatures than maintained in the typical reef aquarium.  Make sure you research the species before purchasing.

Signs of Problems