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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, known as the crown jewel of the Small Polyp Stony (SPS) world, boasts the largest number of species within the genus. These corals are highly sought after by reef aquarists due to their beauty and delicate appearance. However, Acropora are notoriously challenging to keep in aquariums, as they are extremely sensitive to fluctuations in water chemistry.
Demands and Hardiness
Acropora demand meticulous care, requiring stable water parameters and pristine conditions. They thrive in well-established aquariums, preferably those that have been running for at least a year. These corals are particularly sensitive to changes in water quality and temperature, making them a challenging addition even for experienced hobbyists. Strong water flow is essential for Acropora to thrive, mimicking their natural habitat where they are constantly exposed to currents.
Lighting
High lighting is crucial for the health of Acropora corals. They can be maintained under high output fluorescent bulbs such as T5, but may benefit from more intense lighting like metal halides. Acropora's coloration is strongly influenced by the lighting provided, with some species exhibiting dramatic color changes based on tank conditions. Acclimating Acropora to intense lighting sources like metal halides may be necessary to prevent stress and bleaching.
Water Flow
Acropora corals thrive in environments with strong water movement. Adequate water flow helps in nutrient uptake, gas exchange, and prevents detritus buildup around the coral. In aquariums, providing a consistent and robust water flow mimics the natural reef conditions where Acropora flourish.
Feeding
Acropora primarily rely on their zooxanthellae for nutrition, deriving energy from photosynthesis. However, they also benefit from direct feeding. Offering a variety of liquid and powdery foods rich in Phytoplankton and Zooplankton can enhance their health. Feeding a mixture of meaty rotifer-based foods with vitamin additives and highly unsaturated fatty acids is recommended. It is essential to provide appropriately sized food particles that can be easily ingested by the polyps.
Propagation
Due to extensive efforts in captivity, Acropora have been successfully propagated and are considered excellent candidates for aquaculture. With sustainable farming practices, it is possible to achieve a significant reduction in the collection of wild Acropora specimens, contributing to the conservation of these delicate corals.
Localization & Habitat
Acropora corals are predominantly found in the islands of the Indo-Pacific region, including areas like Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. They thrive in shallow, clear waters with intense light and strong water currents, where they form intricate reef structures that support diverse marine ecosystems.