More info
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 corals are considered the crown jewel of the Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral world, with an extensive variety of species unmatched by any other genus. Reef aquarists often focus on the care requirements specific to Acropora when discussing the needs of an SPS system. These corals are highly coveted but challenging to maintain due to their sensitivity to fluctuations in water chemistry, demanding flow, and lighting requirements. Experienced hobbyists may find long-term care of Acropora to be a significant challenge, adding to the allure of keeping these corals.
Demands and Hardiness:
Acropora corals thrive best in well-established aquariums, ideally having been set up for a minimum of one year. They are highly sensitive to changes in water parameters and necessitate stable conditions to thrive. Maintaining consistent water chemistry within the recommended parameters of 8-12 kh, pH of 8.1-8.4, and specific gravity of 1.023-1.026 is crucial for the health of Acropora colonies. These corals benefit greatly from strong water flow within the aquarium, requiring adequate circulation to support their delicate structures.
Lighting:
Acropora corals require high-intensity lighting to support their growth and coloration. They can be sustained under high-output fluorescent bulbs like T5, but may exhibit enhanced coloration under more intense lighting sources such as metal halides. Acropora colonies may undergo color changes based on the lighting they receive, with some pigments potentially shifting entirely depending on tank conditions. Acclimating Acropora to intense lighting sources like metal halides may require a gradual adjustment period to prevent stress.
Water Flow:
Strong water movement is essential for the well-being of Acropora corals. These corals thrive in environments with vigorous water circulation, which not only helps in nutrient uptake but also prevents detritus buildup around the colonies. Maintaining optimal water flow ensures that Acropora receive a constant supply of oxygen and essential nutrients, contributing to their overall health and vitality.
Feeding:
While Acropora primarily rely on photosynthesis through their symbiotic zooxanthellae for nutrition, they can benefit from supplemental feeding. Offering small particle liquid and powdery foods containing phytoplankton and zooplankton can support the nutritional needs of Acropora. Hobbyists can provide a mix of frozen fish foods rich in vitamins and highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) to enhance the diet of these corals. Direct feeding using a turkey baster to distribute food near the polyps allows Acropora to capture and ingest the nourishment effectively.
Propagation:
Acropora corals have been successfully propagated in captivity, making them suitable candidates for aquaculture efforts. Extensive propagation of Acropora species indicates the potential for sustainable harvesting practices over time, contributing to the conservation and availability of these prized corals in the reef aquarium trade.
Localization & Habitat:
Acropora corals are native to the Indo-Pacific region, specifically found in the islands of Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. These corals inhabit shallow reef environments characterized by high light levels, strong water movement, and stable water conditions. Adapting aquarium setups to mimic the natural habitat of Acropora can promote their well-being and encourage optimal growth and coloration in captive environments.