Soft Coral Database        Reef Keeping 101

Soft corals are so named for the fact that they have no obvious skeletal support like LPS or SPS corals do.  Soft corals have calcareous spicules embedded within their tissues that provide support for their soft bodies.  Soft corals tend to be some of the hardiest corals for the reef tank, tolerant of less than ideal conditions and are often a good choice for the beginning hobbyist.  There are some soft corals, such as carnation corals that require feeding and are more difficult to keep.  Some soft corals can grow quite large and some hobbyist specialize in large tanks with dramatic large soft coral specimens.

Soft corals are the most easy going group as far as getting along with their neighbors goes.  Most do not posses any obvious stinging ability, but some do have the ability to engage in a type of chemical warfare which is used to clear out adjacent space for the coral to grow into.

Guidelines to buying soft corals:

• Look for expansion of the coral and it's polyps as a sign of a happy and healthy soft coral.  Many soft corals have noticeable polyps when they are fully expanded.

• Look for areas of degeneration.  These may appear as black areas or areas with a jelly like appearance.  These should generally be avoided, although the specimen can sometimes be saved by cutting away the fouled area.

See acclimation procedure for further information on introducing Soft corals to the tank.