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Datasheet
| Care Description | Anacropora is part of the Acroporidae family along with popular corals such as Acropora and Montipora. I always thought they looked like a more branching version of a Montipora setosa, especially when you look at how the polyps are spaced out on the body and how there are no terminal polyps at the tips of each branch like an Acropora would have. Please see below for more care tips. |
| 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:
Anacropora belongs to the Acroporidae family, similar to Acropora and Montipora. It is noted for its branching structure, with spaced-out polyps and no terminal polyps on branch tips.
Demands and Hardiness:
Anacropora forbesi, also known as "brier coral," exhibits a chaotic, tangled growth pattern. This coral thrives in high nutrient levels and turbid water flow, making it quite hardy. It can tolerate demanding conditions well.
Lighting:
For optimal growth, Anacropora requires low to moderate lighting, ranging from 100 to 200 PAR. The coral's color may vary based on light intensity, with lighter colonies developing in higher light. Care should be taken to avoid sudden exposure to high-intensity light, which can be detrimental.
Water Flow:
Anacropora thrives in strong water flow, preferably medium to high intensity. As the colony grows, ensuring sufficient flow to reach interior polyps becomes crucial. Directing sustained high flow at the coral is discouraged as it can harm the polyps.
Feeding:
Anacropora primarily feeds on Phytoplankton and Zooplankton in particle sizes ranging from 20um to 1mm. While not known for feeding displays, supplementing with small meaty fare like rotifers and amino acids can benefit the coral's nutritional intake.
Propagation:
This coral genus is well-suited for propagation efforts and aquaculture, indicating potential for sustainable harvest in the future. Captive breeding has been successful, promoting conservation and responsible collection practices.
Localization & Habitat:
Anacropora species, such as Anacropora forbesi, are native to the Indo-Pacific islands, including regions like Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. These corals thrive in the warm waters of these regions, contributing to the biodiversity of reef ecosystems.