Finger Leather Coral

Overview

Sclerophytum polydactyla, commonly known as the Finger Leather Coral, is a resilient soft coral species widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific region. It is characterized by its fleshy, branching structure that resembles a cluster of fingers, often swaying gracefully in the current.

Distribution & habitat

This species is found throughout the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, Madagascar, the Seychelles, and across to Guam. It typically inhabits shallow reef environments, such as reef tops, lagoons, and reef slopes, where it thrives in areas with moderate to strong water movement.

Appearance

As a soft coral, it lacks a rigid, calcified skeleton, giving it a flexible, leathery texture. The colony features a central base from which numerous finger-like lobes or branches extend. Its coloration varies, appearing in shades of brown, green, yellow, or pink. When the coral feels threatened or is disturbed, it can retract its polyps and secrete a protective mucus layer.

Biology & behavior

Sclerophytum polydactyla maintains a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, the photosynthetic algae living within its tissues that provide essential nutrients. While it relies heavily on this photosynthesis, it can also capture plankton from the water column. The species is known for its semi-aggressive nature; it can produce chemical compounds, such as terpenes, to inhibit the growth of neighboring corals and secure space in competitive reef environments.