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| 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, known as the crown jewel of the Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral world, boasts the largest number of species within the genus. Acropora is synonymous with the care requirements of SPS systems and is notoriously challenging to maintain due to its sensitivity to water chemistry fluctuations and its high demands in terms of flow and light. Despite the difficulties associated with keeping Acropora long-term, many experienced hobbyists are drawn to the allure of this coral for its beauty and complexity.
Demands and Hardiness
Acropora requires a well-established aquarium, ideally running for at least a year, to thrive. Their care demands include stable water parameters, high water flow, and intense lighting. Liquid and powdery foods rich in Phytoplankton and Zooplankton are suitable for feeding Acropora, with some specimens benefiting from direct feeding. Acropora colonies may exhibit color changes based on lighting conditions, especially under high output fluorescent bulbs or metal halide lighting. Additionally, Acropora have been successfully propagated in captivity, making them a promising candidate for aquaculture in the future.
Lighting
Acropora thrives under high lighting conditions and can be housed under high output fluorescent bulbs such as T5, though more intense lighting like metal halide may enhance their growth. The coloration of Acropora colonies is heavily influenced by the quality and intensity of light provided, with potential color shifts depending on tank conditions. Acropora may require a gradual acclimation period to intense lighting sources to prevent stress and color loss.
Water Flow
Strong water movement is crucial for Acropora colonies, as they prefer turbulent and high-energy environments within the aquarium. Adequate water flow helps prevent detritus buildup, maintains oxygen levels, and promotes overall coral health.
Feeding
Acropora primarily rely on the products of their zooxanthellae for nutrition but can also benefit from direct feeding. Feeding a mix of small meaty rotifer-based foods with vitamin additives and highly unsaturated fatty acids is recommended. To ensure proper ingestion, use a turkey baster to feed tiny food particles to the coral colonies.
Propagation
The Acropora genus has been widely propagated in captivity, presenting a positive outlook for sustainable aquaculture practices. Acropora species, including the Booberry Acropora, are suitable candidates for propagation efforts due to their adaptability to controlled environments.
Localization & Habitat
Acropora colonies are naturally found in the Indo-Pacific region, including locations like Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. They inhabit shallow reef environments characterized by high water flow, intense lighting, and stable water parameters, thriving in the vibrant and diverse ecosystems of the coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific.