Petsolino is reader-supported blog. If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. Read more here.

Soft corals are a type of coral that is different from hard corals. Soft corals lack a stony skeleton and they come in a variety of colors. There are many different types of soft corals, but we will discuss the most common ones that are kept in aquariums.

The care for soft corals is a little different than the care for hard corals. Soft corals do not require as much light and can be kept at lower temperatures. They also require less water movement, so you can keep them in a slower flow area of your aquarium.

How To Care Soft Corals

Soft corals are a type of coral that is known for their delicate and graceful appearance. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them a popular addition to any saltwater aquarium. While they may look fragile, soft corals are actually one of the easiest types of coral to care for.

When it comes to caring for soft corals, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First and foremost, it is important to provide them with the correct water conditions. Soft corals require moderate to high lighting, a stable pH level of 8.1-8.4, and a moderate to high water temperature of 74-79 degrees Fahrenheit.

orange soft corals

In terms of feeding, soft corals should be fed a varied diet that includes both live and frozen foods. Although this depends on their types, you can also give them a supplement of coral food once a week. Soft corals also need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Remove any dead or dying tissue with a pair of tweezers, and then rinse the coral under running water.

When it comes to choosing a soft coral, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure to pick a coral that is compatible with your aquarium’s lighting, pH level, and temperature. Second, select a coral that is suited for your skill level. If you are wondering how to know the types of corals you can read the article at https://aquariumstoredepot.com/blogs/news/soft-coral-types to find out more. 

However, don’t forget the need to pick a coral that you like the look of. There are a variety of soft coral species to choose from, so take your time and find the one that’s perfect for you. Some of the most popular soft coral species include:

Polyps

Polyps are a type of soft coral that come in many different colors and can be kept in lower light conditions.

polyps

Polyps are the most common type of soft coral and they come in a variety of colors. They are usually small and have a bulbous shape. Polyps attach themselves to a substrate and can retract their tentacles if they feel threatened.

Polyps require moderate light levels and temperatures between 68-82 degrees Fahrenheit (20-28 degrees Celsius). They should be fed small pieces of meaty food every other day.

Leather Corals

Leather corals are a type of soft coral that come in many different colors and shapes. They have a thin, leathery appearance and can be kept in lower light levels.

Leather corals require moderate light levels and temperatures between 68-82 degrees Fahrenheit (20-28 degrees Celsius). They should be fed small pieces of meaty food every other day.

Sea Fans

Sea fans are a type of soft coral that come in many different colors and shapes. They have a fan-like appearance and can be kept in lower light levels.

sea fans

Sea fans require moderate light levels and temperatures between 68-82 degrees Fahrenheit (20-28 degrees Celsius). They should be fed small pieces of meaty food every other day.

Mushroom Corals

Mushroom corals are a type of soft coral that come in many different colors and shapes. They have a mushroom-like appearance and can be kept in lower light levels.

Mushroom corals require moderate light levels and temperatures between 68-82 degrees Fahrenheit (20-28 degrees Celsius). They should be fed small pieces of meaty food every other day.

Zooxanthellae

Zooxanthellae are a type of soft coral that come in many different colors and shapes. They are a type of algae that lives in the coral’s tissue. Zooxanthellae provide the coral with food and oxygen.

Zooxanthellae

Zooxanthellae require moderate light levels and temperatures between 68-82 degrees Fahrenheit (20-28 degrees Celsius). They should be fed small pieces of meaty food every other day.

Trumpet Coral

Trumpet Coral (or Trumpet Polyps) have soft, bulbous tentacles which hang down from a small, central disk. They come in many different colors including shades of pink, red, orange, and yellow. Trumpet Coral gets their common name from the shape of their tentacles, which can resemble trumpets.

Trumpet Coral is one of the easier soft corals to care for in the home aquarium. They do best when placed in an area of moderate current and low light. In ideal conditions, Trumpet Coral will grow slowly and may even divide to form new colonies.

trumpet corals

Trumpet Coral can be kept in a wide variety of aquariums, but they should not be kept with stinging corals as they will not fare well. In fact, most soft corals should not be kept with stinging corals as they can often damage or kill them.

Soft coral can be a great addition to any home aquarium. They come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, and are easy to care for. With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect soft coral for your tank. So don’t wait any longer, add some soft coral today and enjoy watching them grow and thrive.