This variety of coral has been a part of TerraReef's aquaculture systems since at least 2008 and possibly even earlier. Originally obtained from a fellow Delaware Reef Club member known as KaptKen (Captain Ken). 

Under lower flow this coral can pulse! Similar to Xenia, but it is pretty cool to see hundreds of very small polyps moving around on their own. This coral is best kept in moderate to high flow, so the pulsing is often seen during "feed mode" when aquarist often reduce the flow to reed their tanks, during water changes when flow is shut off, or it is possible some with a controller may run lower flow a few times a day on their reef.

These soft corals are considered to be a very hardy beginner tolerant coral.  

Soft coral identification to genus or species level is a bit complex, but we believe these may be Sinularia mollis. Klyxum and Cladiella also appear similar. Hobbyists may refer to them as Pulsing Finger leather coral, Cauliflower Colt Coral, Soft Finger leather, Blushing, Seaman's Hands Coral, and more.  We always called them "Colt coral", but others have said that common name isn't right.   

UPDATE 11/11/2025 We removed the word "Colt" from the title of this item based on some feedback we received and instead listing it as "Sinularia".  We found out from Russell Kelley (author and science communication consultant) that there is likely to be a paper released in 2026 separating the genus Sinularia into seven separate genera and none of corals the hobby calls Sinularia (with the big fleshy basis and digit like lobes(such as this one)) are likely to remain in the genus.  They may possibly fall into the genus "Sclerophytum", but with things unsettled and unpublished... we may just call this a "soft coral" for time being.  

Like all the corals currently listed from TerraReef, this specimen is an aquacultured coral.

It is very important that you are aware of the care requirements of these corals before ordering. Please take some time to read some information from a few sources.

This item is a "stock item" meaning the coral you receive may not be the exact one in the picture, but a clone similar in appearance. Sometimes we include images of our mother colonies as well to give an idea of what the corals will grow into under proper care. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimens.