Description
Sarcophyton sp., commonly known as the Cabbage Leather Coral, is a hardy and visually dynamic soft coral valued for its broad, ruffled cap and layered, cabbage-like growth form. As it matures, the cap expands and develops pronounced folds, creating natural movement and texture that add depth and balance to reef aquariums. Its adaptability and resilience make it a reliable choice for both mixed reefs and soft coral–dominant systems.
Native to the Indo-Pacific, Cabbage Leather corals are well known for their tolerance of a wide range of conditions and their ability to thrive in established marine aquariums.
Lighting: Low to moderate; adapts well to standard reef lighting and responds favorably to blue-spectrum LEDs
Flow: Moderate; steady, indirect flow supports healthy expansion and assists with periodic shedding of the outer waxy layer
Placement: Bottom to mid-level areas on stable rockwork with sufficient space for lateral expansion
Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
Calcium: 380–450 ppm
Magnesium: 1250–1400 ppm
Nutrients: Moderate; tolerant of slightly elevated nutrients compared to stony corals
Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic; benefits from dissolved organics and occasional broadcast feeding of fine planktonic foods
Aggression: Moderate; may release chemical compounds that affect nearby corals—adequate spacing and carbon filtration are recommended
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast; expands outward as the cap increases in size
Care Level: Easy – durable and forgiving, suitable for most established reef aquariums
Compatibility: Semi-aggressive; best kept with adequate spacing from sensitive SPS and LPS corals
