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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, with its numerous species, stands out as the quintessential SPS coral in the reef aquarist community. Known for their sensitivity to water chemistry fluctuations, Acropora is highly coveted for its intricate beauty and challenging care requirements. The Pink Fuzz Acropora millepora showcases a stunning pink base complemented by vibrant green and teal polyps that create a fuzzy appearance due to the elongated polyps.
Demands and Hardiness
Keeping Acropora poses a significant challenge due to their delicate nature. They demand meticulous attention to water parameters, especially requiring stable water chemistry. This genus thrives in well-established aquariums, ideally ones that have been set up for a minimum of one year. Adequate flow and intense lighting are crucial for the health of Acropora, making them a preferred choice for experienced hobbyists seeking a rewarding challenge.
Lighting
Acropora flourishes under high-intensity lighting, suitable for high output fluorescent bulbs like T5 or even metal halide for more intense illumination. The species may exhibit color variations based on the provided lighting spectrum, requiring a gradual acclimation period to intense light sources. Notorious for changing color based on tank conditions, especially lighting, Acropora may display striking transformations in hue, such as red sections transitioning to green.
Water Flow
Acropora thrives in environments with strong water movement, a crucial element for their well-being. Strong water flow ensures the corals receive adequate nutrients and oxygen while preventing the buildup of detritus that could harm the delicate polyps.
Feeding
While Acropora primarily rely on their symbiotic zooxanthellae for nutrition, direct feeding can benefit their overall health. Offering small, particle-sized liquid or powdery foods rich in Phytoplankton and Zooplankton proves beneficial. Frozen fish foods, combined with vitamin additives and highly unsaturated fatty acids, serve as excellent meals for Acropora colonies. A careful feeding technique involving a turkey baster to distribute food particles over the coral ensures proper ingestion.
Propagation
The Acropora genus has seen extensive success in captive propagation, making it a prime candidate for aquaculture efforts. With sustainable harvesting practices, the potential for achieving a self-sustaining population in captivity is promising.
Localization & Habitat
Acropora species, such as the Pink Fuzz Acropora millepora, are native to the Indo-Pacific region, specifically found in locations like Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the iconic Great Barrier Reef. These corals thrive in warm tropical waters with stable parameters, showcasing their stunning colors and intricate structures in vibrant reef ecosystems.