Soft corals are fast-growing, colourful, and resilient. They are sustainably cultured and carefully chosen to thrive in the Living Ecosystems Aquarium. Placed onto the Living Blocks reef, they attach securely and expand naturally, showing their full colour and movement.
Function
While they are a beautiful addition to the aquarium, soft corals also play an important role in the reef system. Their flowing shapes provide structure and shelter for small fish, and as they grow, they help take up extra nutrients from the water, keeping the ecosystem balanced.
Care Guide
Soft corals grow well in low to moderate light (50–150 PAR) and gentle to moderate water flow. They get most of their energy from light but can also benefit from occasional feeding with microfoods. Once placed on the Living Blocks Reef, they spread naturally by branching, budding, or covering surfaces,becoming hardy, self-sustaining additions that support a healthy reef.
Reproduction
Soft corals reproduce both sexually and asexually. In aquariums, they most often spread through budding, fragmentation, or mat expansion. Small pieces of tissue or branches naturally detach and establish new colonies, allowing them to spread across the reef and create a self-sustaining, living environment.
Tree & Leather Corals
These corals grow in branching, upright, or broad cap-like forms that add structure and height to the reef. They are resilient, adaptable, and provide flowing motion under water currents.
Examples: Green Finger Tree Coral (Sinularia), Velvet Tree Coral (Sinularia), Leather Toadstool Coral (Sarcophyton).
Movement Corals
Known for their swaying or pulsing polyps, these corals bring constant motion and a dynamic look to the aquarium. They grow quickly and often spread across rockwork or back walls.
Examples: Pulsing Xenia (Xenia elongata), Green Star Polyp Coral (Pachyclavularia).
Morphs
Mushroom and morph corals have soft, fleshy polyps that form colourful mats or clusters. They are highly adaptable, tolerant of shaded areas, and often spread naturally across rock surfaces.
Examples: Fluffy Morph (Rhodactis), other Morphs like Western Red or Neon Grass Green (Discosoma, Ricordea).
