Soft, Zoanthids & Mushrooms

Soft corals can be found worldwide in tropical environments at depths of 15 - 95 feet (5 - 30 Meters). This near-surface-depth allows for currents which provide the soft corals with food and oxygen. Soft corals are the dominant element of the reef environment, providing all sorts of shapes and colors ranging from red and yellow to orange and purple.

Most soft corals are easy to maintain, fast growing, and good starters for reef aquarium beginners. They can more then double in size and quantity within one year.

When creating a habitat for these animals, a strong current should be provided. The current can be created by powerheads which should not be directed at the coral, but rather allow a surrounding flow. Excellent water quality has to be maintained at a specific gravity around 1.025 and a ph of 8.3.

Soft corals can be differentiated from the hard corals by the tentacles. Soft corals do have eight and hard corals multiples of six. With only a few exceptions, soft corals do not have an external skeleton, but numerous tiny spicules in their tissue. Soft corals live in colonies and consist of a basic polyp (hollow cylinder). The polyp is equipped with hair like flagella for the purpose of circulating water throughout the body. This also allows the polyp to re-inflate after it has been withdrawn to the main body.

Soft corals are territorial and will defend their territory by releasing chemical toxic compounds inhibiting the growth of neighboring animals. Next to the spiky spicules these toxins also protect them from predators such as fish and crustaceans.

Corals are available for mail order purchase, Please phone 01462 850822 for Availability