Purple Toadstool Coral

The Toadstool Leather Coral, from the Sarcophyton genus, is one of the most recognisable soft corals in the reef aquarium hobby. Known for its hardiness and distinctive mushroom-like appearance, it has been a long-standing favourite for both new and experienced reef keepers. This particular variety develops a subtle yet clear purple cast, setting it apart from the more common cream or tan colourations.

As it grows, a young Toadstool Coral's simple stalk and cap will develop into a large, leathery plate with folded edges. Long, graceful polyps extend from the surface of the cap, giving the coral a flowing, kinetic quality in the water. These polyps are the primary source of its purple colour. It is normal for the coral to occasionally retract its polyps and develop a waxy film, which it will shed as part of its natural growth and cleaning process.

Care for a Purple Toadstool is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for many reef tanks. It thrives under moderate lighting, in the 100 to 250 PAR range, and prefers moderate, indirect water flow. This flow should be just enough to animate the polyps and prevent detritus from settling on the cap. It can be placed on a rock in the lower to middle sections of the tank, but be sure to give it ample room to expand, as its cap can eventually shade out corals placed directly below it. While it gains most of its energy from photosynthesis, it may benefit from occasional broadcast feeding of soft coral foods. Like all corals, it requires stable alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium levels to do its best.

This coral is a peaceful neighbour in a mixed reef. It lacks stinging tentacles but can release soft coral-specific terpenes if stressed, so running activated carbon is a good practice for the health of the wider system. Its easy-going nature and steady growth make it a reliable and rewarding species to keep. Over time, it can become a true centrepiece specimen, bringing colour and movement to the aquascape.

This is not a WYSIWYG listing; you'll receive a specimen of the same species with similar size and colouration to the one pictured, hand-picked for health and colour.

We take livestock seriously. That's why we don't sell anything we wouldn't be comfortable putting in our own tank.

As we are direct from source, we import and sell direct to the public. This means you can buy with confidence knowing EMA prides itself on excellent handling and conditioning protocols.

Fish

All our fish held in a quarantine system for a minimum of 3 weeks. During this time, regular water changes are performed, and twice daily (or sometimes more) feedings are performed.

Copper is dosed and checked twice a day for ich and velvet.

During this treatment fish are given formalin baths for brooklynella and a minimum of 3 praziquantel doses is performed for flukes.

Coral

Our coral is quarantined for a minimum of 3 weeks, just like fish. During this time, regular water changes are performed, water testing done, and once a month a Fauna Marin ICP Total is performed.

Corals are inspected for pests/general health and are provided with a pest dip once a week for at least 3 weeks.

If we see signs of pests, the quarantine period is extended and/or additional dips are performed

If coral is bleached/unhealthy, it will remain in quarantine until healthy enough to sell.