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Datasheet
| Care Description | Acropora are the crown jewel of the SPS world. No other genus has the sheer number of species as Acropora and when reef aquarists talk about the requirements to keep an SPS system, they are talking specifically about the care requirements of Acropora. Having said that, Acropora are one of the most difficult corals to keep. They are highly sensitive to changes in water chemistry and require the most in terms of flow and light. Many experienced hobbyists have struggled keeping Acropora long term, but that is part of the attraction to this coral. Lastly, Acropora benefit greatly from a well established aquarium, preferably one that has been set up at least for 1 year. Please see below for additional care tips for Acropora. |
| Water Flow | Strong |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.023-1.026 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
Acropora, referred to as the crown jewel of the SPS coral world, is a diverse genus with an extensive number of species. Seen as a crucial component of SPS reef systems, Acropora corals are known for their stunning beauty and intricate structures, making them highly sought after by reef aquarists.
Demands and Hardiness
Acropora are notoriously challenging to care for due to their high sensitivity to fluctuations in water chemistry. They have demanding requirements in terms of water flow and lighting, often proving difficult for even experienced hobbyists to maintain long term. These corals greatly benefit from being housed in well-established aquariums, preferably ones that have been running for at least a year.
Lighting
Acropora thrive under high lighting conditions, responding well to high-output fluorescent bulbs like T5s. However, they may benefit even more from intense lighting sources such as metal halides. The coloration of Acropora is heavily influenced by the type and intensity of light they receive, with some colors being known to change dramatically based on tank conditions.
Water Flow
Thriving best in environments with strong water movement, Acropora corals require robust water flow within the aquarium to mimic their natural habitat conditions. Strong water movement helps these corals to maintain their health and well-being.
Feeding
While Acropora primarily rely on their zooxanthellae for nutrition, direct feeding can also be beneficial. Offering a variety of frozen fish foods rich in nutrients, including meaty rotifer-based options with vitamin additives and highly unsaturated fatty acids, can support the health of Acropora colonies. Feeding small-sized food particles directly to the polyps using a turkey baster is a recommended method.
Propagation
Acropora has been successfully propagated in captivity, making it an excellent candidate for aquaculture. Extensive efforts in captive breeding suggest that a sustainable harvest of Acropora colonies can be achieved over time.
Localization & Habitat
Acropora corals are native to the Indo-Pacific region, specifically found in various islands such as Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. These coral species inhabit diverse reef environments within this region, showcasing their adaptability to different habitat conditions.