Sarcophyton ehrenbergi reaches 1 m diameter. Soft octocoral (Alcyoniidae) Red Sea and Indo-Pacific with massive mushroom body beige to brown-green with short stalk and flat cap with strongly wavy lobed edges (distinction from S. trocheliophorum with smoother edges), white to cream polyps extended as flower bouquet by day. Lives from 3 to 30 m on coral reefs. Hosts zooxanthellae for part of its nutrition. Red Sea dive photo subject, often in large populations on shallow coral plateaus.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Ehrenberg's leather coral?
Ehrenberg's leather coral (Sarcophyton ehrenbergi) reaches 30–100 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Ehrenberg's leather coral?
Ehrenberg's leather coral is found between 3–30 m deep.
Is the Ehrenberg's leather coral dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Ehrenberg's leather coral?
IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Ehrenberg's leather coral?
Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean.