Sinularia dura | M

Sinularia dura is a medium-sized soft leather coral prized for its distinctive finger-like lobes and resilient nature, making it a popular choice among marine aquarists. This species belongs to the family Alcyoniidae and is appreciated for its relatively fast growth and ease of care compared to many other corals.

Lighting Requirements: Sinularia dura thrives under moderate lighting conditions. LED or T5 lighting systems providing a PAR range of approximately 100-150 are ideal to maintain healthy pigmentation and growth.

Water Flow: Moderate, indirect water flow is recommended to ensure the coral’s polyps can extend fully without being damaged by strong currents. This also helps prevent detritus accumulation on the coral surface.

Placement: Position Sinularia dura in the middle to upper regions of the aquarium where it can receive adequate light and flow. Ensure sufficient spacing from neighbouring corals to avoid aggressive interactions, as this species can extend sweeper tentacles.

Care Level: Suitable for intermediate hobbyists. It is relatively hardy but benefits from stable water parameters and regular monitoring.

Diet: Primarily photosynthetic via symbiotic zooxanthellae, but will benefit from occasional supplemental feeding with planktonic foods or coral-specific liquid supplements.

Reef Compatibility: Yes, with adequate spacing. Sinularia dura is generally reef safe but can exhibit territorial behaviour towards nearby corals.

Additional Notes: Maintain stable water parameters with temperature between 24-27°C, salinity at 1.023-1.025 SG, and low nutrient levels to prevent algae overgrowth. Regular water changes and good filtration are recommended.