Rigid Sinularia Leather Coral

Sinularia dura develops stiff, calcified branches that distinguish it from more flexible Sinularia species, giving the colony a sculptural, tree-like appearance in shades of tan and cream. The spicule-reinforced skeleton makes it less susceptible to physical damage and allows it to maintain its form in strong water movement. Photosynthetic and requires only occasional dissolved nutrient spot feeding. Note: releases terpene compounds that can inhibit growth of adjacent corals.

Medium light, moderate to strong flow. pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.023–1.025, temperature 24–27°C. Photosynthetic — no regular feeding required; occasional spot-feed phytoplankton. Space generously from other corals — releases terpenes that inhibit coral growth. Performs best in well-skimmed, high-flow systems with activated carbon in the filtration. Hardy and beginner-friendly despite the terpene caution.