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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) corals, boasts an extensive variety of species unmatched by any other genus in the coral world. Its care requirements are often synonymous with maintaining an SPS system, reflecting its status as a challenging yet coveted coral species. With a reputation for being highly sensitive to water chemistry changes, Acropora demands precise flow and lighting conditions for optimal health.
Demands and Hardiness
Acropora stands out as one of the most challenging corals to nurture, requiring meticulous attention to detail in terms of water quality, flow rate, and lighting intensity. Experienced hobbyists often face difficulties in sustaining Acropora long-term, which contributes to its allure in reef aquariums. The coral thrives best in a well-established tank, preferably operational for at least a year to ensure stable conditions.
Lighting
For Acropora, high lighting levels are crucial for its growth and coloration. While it can be sustained under high output fluorescent bulbs like T5, the coral may benefit from more intense lighting sources such as metal halides (MH). Acclimating Acropora to intense lighting like metal halides could be a gradual process due to its sensitivity. Notably, Acropora showcases significant color variations based on the provided lighting, with colors potentially shifting entirely depending on tank conditions.
Water Flow
A strong water movement regime is recommended for Acropora to mimic its natural habitat and promote optimal health within the tank environment. The coral thrives in environments with vigorous water flow, which aids in nutrient distribution and waste removal, supporting its overall well-being.
Feeding
While Acropora primarily derives sustenance from its photosynthetic zooxanthellae, supplementary feeding can enhance its health. The coral benefits from direct feeding with a range of frozen fish-based foods rich in nutrients like rotifers, vitamin additives, and highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA). Feeding small food particles is essential to ensure the polyps can fully consume them, with techniques like using a turkey baster to target-feed the colonies proving effective.
Propagation
Extensively propagated in captivity, Acropora proves to be an excellent candidate for aquaculture efforts. The genus holds promise for sustainable harvest practices over time, showcasing the potential for conserving and proliferating Acropora populations within controlled environments.
Localization & Habitat
Acropora can be found in the Indo-Pacific region, spanning across various islands like Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the renowned Great Barrier Reef. Its natural habitat in these regions offers insights into the environmental conditions that Acropora thrives in, aiding aquarists in replicating these settings for successful coral care.