Sinularia polydactyla

(Ehrenberg, 1834)

Many Finger Leather Coral

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Red Sea, Madagascar, Seychelles, to Guam.

Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow water reef tops, lagoons, and reef slopes from depths of 6 to 30 feet (2 - 10 m) where it forms large colonies with heights up to about 10 inches (25 cm).

General Husbandry: Even though they can tolerate a wide spectrum of environmental conditions, they tend to do better in areas lit with bright light, and where moderate to strong water movement exists. Since they are photosynthetic, no direct feeding or special care is required.

Placement in the aquarium can be wherever conditions favor it, but keep in mind to provide enough space between them and their neighbors!

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Octocorallia

Order: Anlcyonacea

Suborder: Alcyoniina

Family: Alcyoniidae

Genus: Sinularia

FYI: Easily propagated from cuttings.

Mariculture specimens available in the trade.

Experience Level: Beginner

Diet: Photosynthetic/Absorption of nutrients

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe:With caution

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy

Calcium (Ca): 380 - 430 mg/l

Alkalinity: 2.5 - 3.0 meq/l

Phosphate (PO4): <0.05 mg/l

Magnesium (Mg): approx. 1350 mg/l (relate to specific gravity)

Strontium (Sr) 8 - 10 mg/l

Temperature Range: 68 - 83°F (20 - 28°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons

Lighting: PAR 400 - 450+

Water Movement: WM 2 - 3

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4

Iodine/Trace Elements Monitor/as necessary to maintain quality seawater.