Effect of light intensity on post-fragmentation photobiological performance of the soft coral Sinularia flexibilis

► PAR significantly affects the photobiology of soft coral Sinularia flexibilis. ► Symbiotic zooxanthellae density increase with the decrease of PAR values. ► Light photosynthetic active radiation induces coral photoacclimation in captivity. ► Low light PAR values could minimize light stress and photoacclimation mechanisms. ► In the absence of heterotrophic feeding, light intensity does not affect coral growth.