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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, known as the crown jewel of the Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral world, stands out for its extensive species diversity. A staple in reef aquarists' discussions on SPS care requirements, Acropora is notoriously challenging to maintain due to its high sensitivity to water chemistry fluctuations, demanding flow, and lighting needs. Despite the difficulties, the allure of Acropora lies in the challenge it presents to experienced hobbyists, with established aquariums of at least one year being ideal for their long-term care.
Demands and Hardiness
Acropora, particularly the Frogskin Acropora variety, require meticulous attention to their demanding care needs, with precise water parameters, stable chemistry, and consistent flow patterns crucial for their well-being. Being highly sensitive organisms, they thrive in established aquariums with stable conditions, posing a significant challenge even to seasoned hobbyists due to their delicate nature.
Lighting
High lighting levels are essential for Acropora, as they can benefit greatly from intense light sources such as metal halides in addition to high output fluorescent bulbs. The coral's coloration is notably influenced by the lighting it receives, with acclimation periods often necessary when transitioning to more intense lighting options like metal halides. Acropora are known to exhibit significant color variations, with some sections changing entirely based on the tank's lighting conditions.
Water Flow
Acropora thrive in environments with strong water movement, necessitating adequate flow rates to maintain their health and promote optimal growth. Strong water flow helps these corals to efficiently capture food particles and maintain a clean surface, mimicking their natural habitat conditions.
Feeding
Acropora primarily feed on phytoplankton and zooplankton, requiring liquid and powdery foods rich in vital nutrients to supplement their diet. While they mainly rely on their zooxanthellae for sustenance, direct feeding with a variety of frozen fish foods containing essential additives like vitamins and highly unsaturated fatty acids can significantly benefit the coral's overall health. Feeding should be done carefully, ensuring that the food particles are small enough for the coral polyps to ingest easily.
Propagation
Acropora, including the Frogskin Acropora species, have been successfully propagated in captivity, making them excellent candidates for aquaculture practices. With extensive propagation efforts in place, achieving a sustainable harvest of Acropora in the future seems plausible, contributing to the preservation and conservation of these delicate coral species.
Localization & Habitat
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Acropora species are commonly found in various islands such as Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitat includes shallow waters with intricate reef structures, abundant sunlight, and strong water currents, emphasizing the importance of replicating these conditions in captive aquarium settings for the successful maintenance of Acropora colonies.