Lime Cabbage Leather Coral

Lime Cabbage Leather Coral, Sinularia sp., is a colonial octocoral known for its broad, folded, leaf-like growth form and numerous retractile polyps. This WYSIWYG specimen displays an intense lime-green coloration across the entire colony, with raised ridges, gently ruffled margins, and small extended polyps scattered across the surface. The flattened, lobed appearance gives it the “cabbage leather” look commonly associated with certain Sinularia forms. Sinularia corals contain symbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates that provide much of their energy, while their polyps can also capture fine suspended organic material. As the colony grows, it can develop additional folds and broaden into a more layered, leafy structure. Because species-level identification within Sinularia cannot be confirmed reliably from appearance alone, Sinularia sp. is the scientifically appropriate designation.

Care Guide: Sinularia sp. is generally hardy and adapts well to established reef aquariums. Provide moderate lighting and moderate, variable water movement to keep the colony surface clean and encourage healthy polyp extension. Like many leather corals, Sinularia may periodically shed a thin surface film, during which the colony can appear dull or remain partially closed; good indirect flow helps remove this layer. Place on stable rockwork with enough room for the colony to expand. Maintain stable temperature and salinity along with consistent alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, and phosphate. Most nutrition comes from photosynthesis, though dissolved and very fine suspended organic material can supplement feeding. Because leather corals can release allelopathic compounds, good filtration, regular water changes, and activated carbon can be useful in mixed reef systems.