Devils hand leather

Care at a glance

The devil's hand leather coral forms a thick, leathery disc from which blunt lobes rise like the fingers of a hand. With the polyps extended the whole thing looks downy; retracted, it resembles a piece of grey leather.

It is decidedly easy, tolerates moderate light and moderate flow and grows steadily, which makes it a classic beginner's choice. It does release compounds that can inhibit stony corals, so in a mixed tank use a good skimmer and activated carbon.

Related species

• Anthelia (waving hand)Anthelia sp.
• CyphastreaCyphastrea sp.
• Pavona (cactus coral)Pavona cactus
• Maze brain coralPlatygyra sp.
• HydnophoraHydnophora sp.
• Pagoda cup coralTurbinaria peltata