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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 corals are considered the crown jewel of the Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral world due to their sheer number of species. Highly sought after by reef aquarists, Acropora corals are known for their intricate and varied growth forms, vibrant colors, and delicate branching structures. They are one of the most challenging corals to keep due to their sensitivity to fluctuations in water chemistry and demanding care requirements.
Demands and Hardiness
Acropora corals require a well-established aquarium environment, preferably one that has been set up for at least one year. They are highly sensitive to changes in water chemistry and require meticulous attention to water parameters such as alkalinity (8-12 dkh), pH (8.1-8.4), salinity (1.023-1.026), and temperature (22.2-25.6°C). Strong water movement is essential for Acropora corals, as they thrive in environments with turbulent flow to help simulate their natural habitat.
Lighting
Acropora corals thrive under high lighting conditions, benefiting from high-output fluorescent bulbs (T5) or more intense lighting like metal halide (MH) fixtures. Adequate lighting is crucial for the photosynthetic activity of their zooxanthellae algae, which provides a significant portion of their nutritional requirements. Acropora colonies may exhibit color variations based on the intensity and spectrum of light they receive, with acclimation periods needed for adjustments to more intense lighting sources.
Water Flow
Strong water movement is recommended for Acropora corals to mimic their natural habitat and prevent detritus buildup. A consistent, turbulent flow helps to carry nutrients and oxygen to their polyps while carrying away waste materials. Maintaining proper water flow within the aquarium can promote the healthy growth and development of Acropora colonies.
Feeding
While Acropora primarily rely on photosynthesis for their nutritional needs through their symbiotic zooxanthellae, direct feeding can also benefit their overall health. Offering liquid and powdery foods containing phytoplankton and zooplankton particles of small sizes (20um-1mm) can supplement their diet. Frozen fish foods rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, fed in small particle sizes to ensure full ingestion by the polyps, can be beneficial for Acropora corals.
Propagation
Acropora corals have been extensively propagated in captivity and are considered an excellent candidate for aquaculture. Their fast growth rates and ability to fragment easily make them suitable for sustainable harvesting practices over time. Propagation efforts have contributed to the conservation of wild populations and the availability of captive-raised Acropora specimens in the hobbyist market.
Localization & Habitat
Acropora corals are native to the islands of the Indo-Pacific region, including locations such as Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. They typically inhabit shallow, clear waters with intense sunlight and strong water currents, where they form intricate reef structures and provide essential habitats for a diverse range of marine species.