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Soft Coral
includes leather corals, mushrooms, zoanthids, star polyps and xeniaSoft corals are fleshy with no hard skeletal structure. They tend to be hardier than hard corals and grow rapidly.
Soft Coral Facts
| Average Adult Size | depends on species, feeding habits and age |
| Average Life Span | depends on species |
| Diet | photosynthetic and/or filter feeders |
| Minimum Aquarium Size | 29+ gallons, depending on species |
| Water Temperature: | 72-78°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.023-1.025 |
Diet
A well-balanced soft coral diet consists of:
- Some soft corals are filter feeders and must have an ample supply of small suspended particles and nutrients in the water.
- Some corals contain photosynthetic algae in their bodies called "zooxanthellae," which help meet most of their nutritional needs.
- Liquid or powdered coral diet.
Feeding
Things to remember when feeding your soft coral:
- Feed once or twice weekly, depending on species.
- Calcium and trace mineral supplements may also be given.
Housing
- Keep in an appropriately sized aquarium; full spectrum, high-intensity lighting and proper filtration are essential.
- Use of copper-based medications is toxic to soft coral.
- Some corals require strong lighting combined with moderate to strong, but intermittent, water movement within the tank.
- Live rock can provide a stable location for the coral to attach to while also enhancing biological filtration.
- Stable water quality and parameters are critical to the health of aquatic life. If you are unsure of your water quality, Petco provides free water testing.
Normal Behavior
- Some soft corals require increased lighting, filtration and water flow.
Habitat Maintenance
- Daily: Check filter, water temperature, specific gravity and other equipment.
- Weekly: Check water quality at least once a week.
- Monthly: Change 10 to 25% of the total volume of water every 2 to 4 weeks, or as needed.
- Introduce new inhabitants to the aquarium gradually.
Compatibility
- Soft corals can secrete a defense chemical that inhibits the growth of nearby corals, and they should not be placed close to other sessile (attached at the base) invertebrates. Some aquatic life may feed on coral polyps. Check Petco's Marine Compatibility Care Sheet for more information regarding your specific species.
Health
Signs of a Healthy Soft Coral
- Smooth body
- Fully open polyps
- Free of pests
- Avoid overcrowded conditions, which are a major cause of stress and disease. Maintain good water quality with regular water changes and adequate filtration.
Red Flags
- Loss of color
- Tissue erosion
- Polyps are closed
- Limp, slumped stalk
Common Health Issues
| Health Issue | Symptoms or Causes | Suggested Action |
|---|---|---|
| Health Issue Body or surface erosion | Symptoms or Causes Poor water quality; nutrient deficiency. | Suggested Action Test and treat water immediately; maintain proper diet. |
Shopping list for needed supplies:
Sources
Ask a store partner about Petco's selection of books on marine crustaceans and the variety of private brand products available for the care and happiness of your new pet. All private brand products carry a 100% money-back guarantee.
Because all aquatic life are potential carriers of infectious diseases, such as Atypical Mycobacterium and Salmonella, always wash your hands before and after handling your aquatic life or habitat contents to help prevent the potential spread of disease.
Pregnant women, children under the age of 5, senior citizens and people with weakened immune systems should contact their physician before purchasing or caring for aquatic life and should consider not having aquatic life as a pet.
Go to the Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov/healthypets for more information about aquatic life and disease.
This care sheet can cover the needs of other species.
Note: The information on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional information, please refer to the sources on the following page or contact your veterinarian as appropriate.
Developed with and approved by a qualified veterinarian.
