Nano-Reef.com » Coral Information » Finger Leather
Finger Leather
Scientific Name
Sinularia sp.
Common Names
Finger Leather, Soft Finger
Region
Indo-Pacific and Red Sea
Lighting
Medium Low to High, very adaptable
Current
Medium Low to High
Aggressiveness
Moderate High
Hardiness
Excellent, very good as a first coral
Finger leathers do well in almost any tank condition. Under higher light they extend flower like polyps along the length of their "fingers". These are rapid growers but are easily propagated by cutting. Since this genus does not produce a slime coat like many other soft corals when cut it is much more easily attached to small pieces of live rock, or placed in a hole or crevice in the rock. It generally only takes a few days to become securely attached to it's new home. These corals do appreciate the addition of some iodine/iodide.
All leather corals can produce a toxin called terpenoids to protect their niche on the reef. These toxins are strongest within 8" of the coral, but theoretically can be carried all over the tank.
Leathers will also periodically go through a regeneration stage where they will form a waxy looking coating. Within a day or two the coral will literally sluff off, or shed, the top layer of it's skin. This aids in removal of any built up detritus. Many new aquarists panic when they see this thinking the coral is dieing when in fact it means it's a totally healthy specimen. It has been said that the shed material can damage other corals as it floats through the tank. The photo below is of the finger leather after the waxy coating has broken up in the process of a "shed".
Finger leathers will make a good addition to larger nano reefs, as they need some isolated space because of their aggression. As they are hardy, these do great in the varying conditions & lighting of a nano reefs. They do tend to grow fairly quickly, so make sure you have a grow out tank, LFS, or fellow hobbyist to trade with.
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