Introduction

Corals are the vibrant, living jewels of the reef, providing structure, color, and life to our saltwater aquariums. They come in three main categories:

• Small Polyp Stony (SPS) corals

• Large Polyp Stony (LPS) corals

• Soft corals

In this comprehensive guide, we will focus on soft corals — ideal for beginners due to their hardiness and relatively lower maintenance requirements. Soft corals are a fantastic choice for aquarists who want beauty without overwhelming complexity.

What Are Soft Corals?

Soft corals are A-Mazing!!! Over the years, I’ve had several tanks filled with only soft corals, fish, and inverts, and they were some of my all-time favorites. Why? Because soft corals are low maintenance, low stress, and extremely high on the enjoyment scale. Whether you’re a beginner just dipping your toes into the reefing world or a seasoned aquarist looking for something resilient yet stunning, soft corals are the way to go!

Unlike stony corals, soft corals lack a hard, calcium-based skeleton. Instead, they rely on internal structures called spicules to maintain their shape. This gives them a unique, flexible appearance and makes them more adaptable to fluctuations in water conditions. They come in various forms, including mats, trees, and mushrooms, and their vibrant diversity ensures there’s a soft coral for every aquascape.

Understanding their specific needs is crucial to keeping these beauties healthy and happy. From lighting and flow to feeding and placement, getting the basics right will set you up for success. Throughout this guide, I’ll introduce you to some of the most popular soft corals (including a few of my personal favorites), share helpful tips, and point you toward other blog posts on topics like water quality, quarantining, and dipping corals when you’re ready to explore further.

Popular Soft Corals and Their Care

1. Mushrooms (Corallimorphs)

Identification: Smooth, fleshy corals resembling mushrooms. Available in a dazzling array of colors and patterns.

Care Requirements:

• Water Quality: Tolerant of a wide range but prefer stable parameters.

• Lighting: Low to moderate.

• Flow: Low to moderate.

• Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic, but occasional target feeding with small meaty foods enhances growth.

Buying Tips: Look for bright, healthy specimens with no slimy coatings or retracted polyps.

Pros: Hardy, colorful, and beginner-friendly.

Cons: Rapid spread can require regular management.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: Place mushrooms on isolated rocks. They can spread quickly, so containing them prevents them from overtaking your tank.

2. Zoanthids (Zoanthus spp.)

Identification: Colonial corals with individual polyps connected by a mat-like base. Renowned for their stunning colors.

Care Requirements:

• Water Quality: Stable, moderate to high.

• Lighting: Moderate to high.

• Flow: Moderate.

• Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic but benefits from supplemental feeding.

Buying Tips: Choose colonies with vibrant, fully open polyps. Avoid those with closed polyps or visible pests.

Pros: Stunning variety of colors and patterns.

Cons: Potential toxin risks and confusing naming conventions inflate prices.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: Always handle zoanthids with gloves; some species produce palytoxin, a potent toxin that can be harmful to humans.

Read More About Palythoa Toxins Here

3. Palythoa Coral (Palythoa spp.)

Identification: Colonial corals with fleshy, button-like polyps connected by a mat-like base. Often found in shades of brown, green, or tan, with variations depending on lighting.

Care Requirements:

• Water Quality: Stable parameters with moderate to high nutrients.
• Lighting: Moderate to high lighting, as brighter conditions bring out vibrant colors.
• Flow: Moderate; too much flow can damage polyps.
• Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic but benefits from occasional feeding of fine particulate foods or zooplankton.

Buying Tips: Look for vibrant, open polyps with no signs of pests or algae overgrowth. Avoid any colonies showing excessive slime or closed polyps.

Pros: Hardy, beginner-friendly, and available in a variety of colors.

Cons: Can spread aggressively and compete with other corals for space. Requires careful handling due to toxicity.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: Handle Palythoa corals with extreme care, as they can produce palytoxin, one of the most potent toxins in nature. Always use gloves and avoid exposing open wounds to their water.

4. Palythoa Grandis (Button Polyp)

Identification: A striking and larger variety of Palythoa with oversized, fleshy polyps in stunning patterns. Often features earthy tones with hints of green, yellow, or purple.

Care Requirements:

• Water Quality: Stable, with moderate nutrients.
• Lighting: Moderate to high; thrives in bright lighting conditions.
• Flow: Moderate; gentle flow ensures no debris accumulates on the polyps.
• Feeding: Photosynthetic but benefits greatly from regular feeding of meaty coral foods or zooplankton.

Buying Tips: Choose polyps that are fully open and vibrant. Check for healthy, fleshy tissue and avoid specimens with visible damage or pests.

Pros: Eye-catching, hardy, and a centerpiece-worthy addition.

Cons: Slow to grow and spreads less aggressively than other Palythoa, which can be a pro or con depending on your goals. Handle with care due to palytoxin.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: Palythoa Grandis is slower-growing compared to other Palythoa varieties, making it easier to manage. Place it in a prominent spot to highlight its impressive size and patterns.

5. Toadstool Leather Coral (Sarcophyton spp.)

Identification: Mushroom-like cap with small, soft polyps extending from the surface.

Care Requirements:

• Water Quality: High, stable conditions.

• Lighting: Moderate to high.

• Flow: Moderate to high.

• Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic, occasional feeding of amino acids enhances growth.

Buying Tips: Look for firm caps with extended polyps.

Pros: Easy to care for and fast-growing.

Cons: May release toxins that affect neighboring corals.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: Run activated carbon to counteract any chemicals released by leathers that may inhibit other corals.

6. Finger Leather Coral (Sinularia spp.)

Identification: Features finger-like projections.

Care Requirements:

• Water Quality: High, stable conditions.

• Lighting: Moderate to high.

• Flow: Moderate to high.

• Feeding: Photosynthetic, occasional supplemental feeding is beneficial.

Buying Tips: Select specimens with extended polyps and firm structures.

Pros: Hardy and adaptable.

Cons: Limited coloration compared to other soft corals.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on their position; they thrive in mid-to-upper sections of the tank where flow and light are ideal.

7. Green Star Polyps (Pachyclavularia violacea)

Identification: Bright green polyps on a purple mat.

Care Requirements:

• Water Quality: Moderate to high.

• Lighting: Moderate to high.

• Flow: Moderate to high.

• Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic, occasional feeding is beneficial.

Buying Tips: Look for frags with vibrant, fully extended polyps.

Pros: Hardy, fast-growing, and visually striking.

Cons: Can overgrow and smother other corals.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: Mount GSP on an isolated rock or tank back wall to prevent it from overtaking your aquascape.

8. Ricordea (Ricordea florida or Ricordea yuma)

Identification: A type of mushroom coral with small, bulbous tentacles and bright colors.

Care Requirements:

• Water Quality: Stable, moderate to high.

• Lighting: Moderate to high.

• Flow: Gentle to moderate.

• Feeding: Photosynthetic, occasional feeding promotes growth.

Buying Tips: Choose vibrant, open specimens with no signs of tissue damage.

Pros: Stunning colors and textures.

Cons: Sensitive to sudden water parameter changes.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: Give Ricordeas plenty of space; they dislike being crowded by other corals.

9. Kenya Tree Coral (Capnella spp.)

Identification: Soft, tree-like coral with flowing branches that range in colors from pinkish-brown to cream.

Care Requirements:

• Water Quality: Tolerates a range of conditions but thrives in stable, nutrient-poor environments.

• Lighting: Moderate to high; Kenya Tree Corals adapt well to various lighting setups.

• Flow: Moderate flow; too much flow can cause the coral to close up.

• Feeding: Photosynthetic but benefits from supplemental feedings of phytoplankton or coral foods.

Buying Tips: Look for upright, healthy specimens with no signs of tissue damage or pests. A slight sway in the flow is a sign the coral is in good health.

Pros: Hardy, fast-growing, and beginner-friendly.

Cons: Can spread aggressively and overshadow other corals if not managed.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: Kenya Tree Corals grow fast and can take over your tank if not monitored. Keep them on isolated rocks to control their spread, and prune regularly if necessary.

10. Clove Polyps (Clavularia spp.)

Identification: Flower-like polyps extending from a mat base.

Care Requirements:

• Water Quality: Stable, clean water.

• Lighting: Moderate to high.

• Flow: Moderate.

• Feeding: Mostly photosynthetic; occasional feedings of fine particulate foods help.

Buying Tips: Select vibrant specimens with fully extended polyps.

Pros: Beautiful movement and relatively easy care.

Cons: Potential for rapid spread in optimal conditions.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: Place Clove Polyps in an area with consistent flow to keep debris off their base.

11. Xenia Coral (Xenia elongata)

Identification: Pulsing coral with feather-like polyps that move rhythmically, creating a hypnotic, flowing motion in the tank.

Care Requirements:

• Water Quality: Stable water parameters; tolerates a range of conditions but thrives in nutrient-rich water.

• Lighting: Moderate to high. These corals prefer areas with sufficient light but can adapt to lower light levels.

• Flow: Moderate flow to keep the coral clean without overwhelming its delicate polyps.

• Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic but benefits from nutrient-rich water and supplemental feeding of fine particulate foods.

Buying Tips: Select specimens with fully pulsing polyps and a healthy, vibrant appearance. Avoid frags that appear slimy or have closed, non-pulsing polyps.

Pros: Provides mesmerizing movement and is hardy for beginners.

Cons: Grows invasively and can take over a tank if not managed properly.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: Keep Xenia corals on isolated rocks or areas of your tank you don’t mind them overtaking. They grow like weeds but are captivating to watch!

13. Tree Coral (Nephthea spp.)

Identification: Tree-like branching coral with fleshy, soft projections in subtle shades of cream, pink, or pale green.
Care Requirements:

• Water Quality: Stable and pristine water with low nitrates and phosphates.

• Lighting: Prefers low to moderate lighting; avoid overly intense light that could bleach the coral.

• Flow: Gentle to moderate flow that allows the coral to sway gently without excessive movement.

• Feeding: While primarily photosynthetic, it benefits from occasional feedings of marine snow or fine coral foods.

Buying Tips: Look for healthy, upright specimens with no signs of tissue damage or algae growth. Extended polyps are a good indicator of a thriving coral.

Pros: Elegant, soft, and adds height to your aquascape.

Cons: Requires regular monitoring for algae growth or tissue damage.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: Place Tree Corals in areas with indirect light and a steady, gentle flow. They flourish in mature tanks where water conditions are consistently stable. Don’t overcrowd them—their branches need room to grow!

14. Sympodium Coral (Sympodium spp.)

Identification: Small, flower-like polyps in shades of blue, green, and purple, growing on an encrusting mat.

Care Requirements:

• Water Quality: Stable, high-quality water. Low nitrates and phosphates are preferred.

• Lighting: Moderate to high. Thrives under LED lights with a full-spectrum setup.

• Flow: Moderate; gentle to moderate water movement keeps debris off the coral.

• Feeding: Photosynthetic, but occasional feedings of fine particulate foods or phytoplankton boost health.

Buying Tips: Look for mats with fully extended polyps and no signs of tissue recession or algae growth.

Pros: Stunning colors, easy to care for, and grows moderately.

Cons: Can be sensitive to drastic water changes, requiring careful acclimation.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: Place Sympodium Coral in areas with moderate light and flow, and give it plenty of room to expand as it encrusts surfaces. It’s a great choice for adding vibrant color to rockwork.

Dipping Soft Corals

Dipping your soft corals is an essential step to ensure they are pest-free and healthy before introducing them to your tank. Follow these steps for effective coral dipping:

Why Dip?

• To remove pests such as flatworms, nudibranchs, or parasitic copepods.

• To eliminate harmful hitchhikers like algae, bacteria, or unwanted organisms.

What You Need:

• A coral dip solution (readily available from aquarium supply stores).

• A separate container with tank water for dipping.

• A turkey baster or soft brush to gently remove pests.

How to Dip:

1. Prepare a container with tank water and add the recommended amount of coral dip solution.

2. Place the coral in the solution for the recommended duration (typically 5-15 minutes).

3. Use a turkey baster to gently blow off pests and debris.

4. Rinse the coral in a second container with clean tank water before placing it in your display tank.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: Always follow the instructions on the coral dip product and never use freshwater for dipping marine corals. Regular dipping of new corals reduces the risk of introducing pests to your tank.

Read More About Diping Corals in Iodine Here

Quarantining Soft Corals

Quarantining soft corals is an essential practice to ensure your reef tank remains free of pests, diseases, and unwanted hitchhikers. While dipping can remove many visible pests, a quarantine process gives you additional peace of mind by allowing you to observe the coral for a longer period before introducing it to your display tank.

Why Quarantine?

• Pest Prevention: Many pests, such as flatworms or nudibranchs, might not be eliminated during dipping or could emerge later.

• Health Monitoring: Quarantine allows you to monitor the coral’s health and ensure it is acclimating well.

• Protecting Your Tank: Adding corals directly to your main tank can expose your other inhabitants to potential threats.

How to Quarantine Soft Corals:

1. Set Up a Quarantine Tank: Use a small tank with proper filtration, lighting, and flow to mimic your main tank’s conditions. No need for sand or elaborate decorations—just the basics.

2. Acclimate the Coral: Slowly acclimate your new coral to the quarantine tank’s water to minimize stress.

3. Observe and Treat: Keep the coral in quarantine for at least 2-4 weeks, observing for any pests, algae growth, or signs of disease. Re-dip the coral if necessary.

4. Test Parameters: Regularly test the water in your quarantine tank to ensure it’s stable and matches the conditions of your main display.

5. Transfer Carefully: After the quarantine period, transfer the coral to your main tank, ensuring no water from the quarantine tank enters your display.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: Add a magnifying glass or flashlight to your toolkit for inspecting corals during quarantine. Some pests are tiny and easy to miss!

Read More About Quarantining Corals Here

Read More About Coral Pests Here

 General Care Tips for Soft Corals

To ensure your soft corals thrive, follow these guidelines:

Water Quality:

• Maintain stable parameters with ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates as close to zero as possible.

• Regularly test for pH, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, and trace elements.

• Prevent algae overgrowth by maintaining low nutrient levels.

• Use high-quality salt mixes for water changes and reliable filtration systems, including protein skimmers, for optimal water clarity.

Lighting:

• Provide sufficient light for photosynthesis; soft corals generally thrive under LED lights.

• Aim for an 8-10 hour photoperiod to simulate natural daylight cycles.

Water Flow:

• Soft corals prefer moderate, oscillating currents to prevent detritus buildup and promote gas exchange.

• Use wavemakers or adjustable powerheads to create consistent water movement without overwhelming delicate polyps.

Feeding:

• Most soft corals rely heavily on photosynthesis, but supplemental feeding can boost growth and coloration.

• Feed corals once or twice weekly using high-quality coral foods, phytoplankton, or finely chopped meaty foods.

• Avoid overfeeding to maintain good water quality.

Placement:

• Research each coral’s specific lighting and flow needs before placement.

• Avoid placing aggressive or fast-growing corals near sensitive species to prevent overgrowth or chemical warfare.

Troubleshooting Soft Corals

Soft corals are generally hardy, but occasional issues can arise. Here are some common problems and solutions:

1. Coral Not Opening or Expanding:

• Causes: Poor water quality, incorrect lighting, or insufficient flow.

• Solutions: Test water parameters and adjust as needed. Ensure the coral is receiving appropriate light and flow for its species.

2. Coral Turning Brown or Losing Color:

• Causes: Insufficient lighting, poor water quality, or excess nutrients.

• Solutions: Increase lighting intensity or duration gradually. Perform a water change and consider adding a protein skimmer or phosphate remover.

3. Algae Overgrowth:

• Causes: Excess nutrients in the tank.

• Solutions: Use manual removal and address nutrient issues by improving filtration and flow.

4. Coral Melting or Disintegrating:

• Causes: Stress from rapid changes in water parameters, disease, or insufficient acclimation.

• Solutions: Remove affected coral to prevent contamination. Ensure all new additions are properly quarantined and acclimated.

Common Myths About Soft Corals

Myth 1: Soft corals don’t need good water quality.

Reality: While soft corals are more forgiving than stony corals, they still require stable water parameters to thrive. Poor water quality can lead to algae overgrowth, stress, and disease.

Myth 2: Soft corals don’t need light.

Reality: Most soft corals are photosynthetic and require appropriate lighting for growth. While some species tolerate lower light, they still need light for photosynthesis.

Myth 3: Soft corals won’t release toxins.

Reality: Many soft corals release chemicals to compete for space in the tank. Running activated carbon helps remove these toxins and maintain harmony in your reef.

Myth 4: You don’t need to quarantine soft corals.

Reality: Quarantining soft corals helps prevent pests, algae, and diseases from entering your main tank, protecting your reef ecosystem.

Myth 5: All soft corals are beginner-friendly.

Reality: While many soft corals are hardy, some, like Carnation Tree Coral, require advanced care and regular feeding, making them unsuitable for beginners.

FAQs About Soft Corals

1. Can soft corals thrive under LED lighting?

Yes, soft corals thrive under LED lighting due to the customizable spectrum and energy efficiency of modern LED systems. Ensure your setup mimics natural daylight cycles for optimal growth.

2. How often should I feed my soft corals?

Most soft corals rely on photosynthesis but benefit from supplemental feeding once or twice a week with high-quality coral foods or phytoplankton.

3. Do soft corals require calcium supplementation?

Unlike stony corals, soft corals don’t rely on calcium for skeletal growth. However, maintaining balanced alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium levels benefits overall reef health.

4. How can I prevent soft corals from taking over my tank?

Place fast-growing species, like Green Star Polyps or Xenia, on isolated rocks or tank walls to limit their spread.

5. Are soft corals compatible with all fish?

Soft corals are generally compatible with most reef-safe fish. Avoid fish species that nip at corals, such as certain angelfish or butterflyfish. 

Conclusion

Soft corals are more than just an easy entry point into reef keeping; they are a celebration of nature’s resilience and beauty. With their incredible variety of shapes, colors, and behaviors, they can turn any tank into a living masterpiece. Whether you’re mesmerized by the rhythmic pulsing of Xenia, enchanted by the elegance of Tree Corals, or thrilled by the fast-growing Green Star Polyps, there’s a soft coral for every aquarist’s taste.

By thoughtfully curating your soft coral collection and maintaining your tank’s environment, you’ll unlock the full potential of these fascinating organisms. Watching them thrive and grow will not only bring life to your aquarium but also immense joy to you as an aquarist.

Happy Reefing!