Flat Lettuce Coral
Echinophyllia aspera
A low-light encrusting coral with wild color variation and an easygoing nature.
About
Flat Lettuce Coral (Echinophyllia aspera) is a broadly distributed Indo-West Pacific species found across reef environments ranging from shallow lagoons and fringing reefs down to about 60 meters on lower reef slopes. Its growth form is part of the appeal. Colonies spread as encrusting sheets, but the central portions often become lumpy and uneven while the outer edges may twist, fold, or stack into tiers, giving mature specimens a sculptural, almost chaotic quality. Up close, the corallites are defined by toothed ridges rather than the beaded texture you see on some related genera, and there are no paliform lobes around the mouths. Coloration runs from earthy browns through greens and reds, often with contrasting oral disc colors, and mottled patterning is common. No two colonies look quite the same. In the aquarium, this coral is one of the more accessible LPS options. It does well under moderate lighting and prefers lower flow, making it a good candidate for shaded ledges or lower rockwork where more demanding corals might struggle. Its tolerance and adaptability make it a reasonable choice for reef keepers who are still dialing in their systems, provided chemistry is kept stable.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Flat Lettuce Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What water parameters does the Flat Lettuce Coral need?
- The Flat Lettuce Coral does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Flat Lettuce Coral reef safe?
- The Flat Lettuce Coral is generally considered reef safe.