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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
The Purple Bonsai Acropora is a striking coral species characterized by a purplish base and vibrant green polyps. Originating from Australia, this variety is renowned for its tightly branched structure, making it a visually captivating addition to reef aquariums.
Demands and Hardiness
Acropora corals, including the Purple Bonsai, are considered the epitome of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) corals and are highly sought after by reef aquarists. However, they pose significant challenges in terms of care requirements. Acropora are exceptionally sensitive to fluctuations in water chemistry and necessitate meticulous attention to water quality, flow rates, and lighting intensity for their sustained well-being. Despite their popularity, maintaining Acropora long-term can be a daunting task, even for experienced hobbyists. A mature and stable aquarium environment, preferably established for at least one year, is crucial for the successful care of Acropora specimens.
Lighting
The Purple Bonsai Acropora thrives under high-intensity lighting conditions. While it can adapt to high output fluorescent bulbs like T5, enhanced lighting sources such as metal halides (MH) are recommended to promote optimal growth and coloration. Customarily, Acropora corals exhibit remarkable color variations in response to lighting changes, necessitating a gradual acclimation process, especially when transitioning to intense lighting setups.
Water Flow
Strong water movement is essential for the well-being of the Purple Bonsai Acropora. Adequate water flow within the aquarium helps in nutrient distribution, waste removal, and simulating the natural reef environment that these corals inhabit. Ensuring a robust circulation system in the aquarium helps prevent detritus buildup and maintains the overall health of Acropora colonies.
Feeding
Acropora corals primarily rely on their photosynthetic symbionts for nutrition; however, supplementing their diet with direct feeding can greatly benefit their overall health. Offerings of liquid and powdery foods containing Phytoplankton and Zooplankton in small particle sizes (20um-1mm) are ideal for feeding Acropora specimens. Furthermore, a combination of frozen fish foods enriched with essential vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids can be intermittently provided to enhance the coral's nutritional intake.
Propagation
Acropora species, including the Purple Bonsai, are extensively propagated in captivity, making them suitable candidates for aquaculture ventures. With proper husbandry and breeding practices, achieving sustainable harvesting of Acropora corals can be a feasible goal for conservation and commercial purposes.
Localization & Habitat
Naturally distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, Acropora corals, including the Purple Bonsai variety, are indigenous to a myriad of islands such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the renowned Great Barrier Reef. These corals thrive in tropical marine environments characterized by clear waters, optimal lighting conditions, and strong water currents, reflecting their natural habitat preferences.