🥬 Cabbage Leather Coral – Description & Care Guide
Common Names: Cabbage Leather, Cabbage Coral, Flat Leather
Scientific Name: Sinularia dura (or other Sinularia spp.)
Type: Soft Coral
Growth Form: Cabbage-like, folded plates or lobes
Origin: Indo-Pacific
🪸 Description
Cabbage Leather Corals are soft corals with a wavy, folded appearance that resembles cabbage leaves. Their texture is firm yet flexible, and they come in shades of beige, cream, pink, brown, or greenish hues. While not flashy, their elegant shape adds natural structure and movement to the reef tank.
They're known for being extremely hardy and low-maintenance, making them an excellent choice for beginners or low-tech reef setups.
🧪 Water Parameters
| Parameter |
Ideal Range |
| Temperature |
75–80°F (24–27°C) |
| Salinity |
1.024–1.026 |
| pH |
8.1–8.4 |
| Alkalinity |
8–12 dKH |
| Calcium |
400–450 ppm |
| Magnesium |
1250–1350 ppm |
| Nitrates |
2–10 ppm |
| Phosphates |
0.03–0.08 ppm |
💡 Lighting & Flow
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Lighting: Moderate. Will adapt to low or high light, but grows best under medium-intensity LED or T5 lighting.
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Flow: Moderate to high. Stronger flow encourages better shape and helps prevent detritus buildup.
🍽️ Feeding
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Photosynthetic—gets energy from symbiotic zooxanthellae.
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Optional Feeding: May benefit from occasional microplankton, phytoplankton, or amino acids, but not required.
🧼 Care & Placement Tips
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Placement: Mid to lower tank areas, with enough space for growth. It can shade nearby corals as it spreads.
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Shedding: Occasionally “sheds” a waxy layer to remove algae or waste—this is normal and helps rejuvenate the coral.
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Fragging: Very easy. Can be cut and reattached using rubber bands, glue, or toothpicks.
⚠️ Compatibility Notes
✅ Summary
The Cabbage Leather Coral is a resilient, low-maintenance soft coral ideal for both beginner and experienced reef keepers. Its folded, leafy structure provides a natural reef aesthetic and a peaceful presence in community coral tanks.
