Description
Hairy Leather Coral – Cladiella spp.
Cladiella spp., known as the Leather Coral, is a hardy and adaptable soft coral species cherished for its elegant, finger-like growth and natural movement. Often referred to as Colt Coral or Finger Leather, this species develops thick, fleshy branches covered in fine polyps that extend gracefully in the current. Its soft, velvety texture and subtle color variations—from creamy beige to pastel pinks and greens—make it an excellent choice for adding both volume and motion to a reef aquarium. Cladiella’s resilience and fast growth rate make it particularly well-suited for beginners, as well as for aquarists seeking natural, organic flow in their reef scape.
Lighting: Moderate (80–150 PAR); thrives under a balanced spectrum with blue and white light; excessive intensity can cause retraction
Flow: Moderate to strong; enjoys turbulent, indirect current that promotes polyp extension and prevents detritus buildup
Placement: Bottom to mid-level on rockwork or substrate; ensure secure attachment and provide room for outward branching
Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
Calcium: 400–440 ppm
Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
Nutrients: Moderate (NO₃ 5–15 ppm, PO₄ 0.05–0.10 ppm); prefers slightly nutrient-rich water to support tissue expansion and growth
Feeding: Photosynthetic; obtains most energy through symbiotic zooxanthellae, though it benefits from dissolved organics or occasional phytoplankton feedings
Aggression: Low; non-stinging but releases mild allelopathic compounds—use carbon filtration in mixed systems
Growth Rate: Fast; forms bushy, tree-like colonies that can be fragged easily and will reattach quickly to new substrates
Care Level: Easy – highly tolerant of variable reef conditions and suitable for beginners
Compatibility: Peaceful; ideal for soft coral or mixed reef setups; ensure moderate spacing from sensitive SPS species due to mild chemical warfare
