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Datasheet
| Care Description | Micromussa lordhowensis was formerly known as Acanthastrea lordhowensis and share the same care requirements as most Acanthastrea. Space should be provided between these corals and their neighbors as that have a powerful sting. Please see below for additional care tips for Micromussa. |
| Water Flow | Low - Moderate |
| 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
Micromussa lordhowensis, previously known as Acanthastrea lordhowensis, is a colorful coral species that comes in varying shades of orange, green, blue, and red. They are known for their fat inflated polyps with tentacles constantly extended, making them a visually appealing addition to reef tanks.
Demands and Hardiness
Micromussa corals require space between neighboring corals as they possess a powerful sting. They do not require intense water flow, but sufficient flow is necessary to prevent detritus from settling on them. Additionally, providing a moderate flow during feeding time is beneficial for their long-term health.
Lighting
Micromussa corals are highly responsive to light, and changes in lighting conditions can result in dramatic color differences within a short period. They can adapt their color to the provided lighting conditions; for instance, they can change from red to yellow in under 24 hours. Thus, a range of lighting intensities from low to high can be suitable for these corals.
Water Flow
Ideally, Micromussa corals thrive in low to moderate water flow conditions. Sufficient flow is necessary to keep them clean and prevent debris buildup, especially when they are placed towards the bottom of the tank. Adjusting the flow during feeding times allows the corals to capture food particles efficiently.
Feeding
Micromussa corals can be fed a mix of meaty foods such as krill or mysis shrimp. It is essential to offer appropriately sized food, avoiding large pieces that the relatively small polyps cannot consume. Overfeeding dry coral pellet food should be avoided to prevent harming the coral. Providing a balanced diet of frozen shrimp or high-quality coral pellet food is beneficial for their health.
Propagation
While Micromussa corals can be successfully fragmented for propagation, asexual reproduction is a slow process due to their relatively slow growth rate. Efforts in propagating these corals can contribute to increasing their availability in the market, as they are uncommonly imported and not frequently seen for sale.
Localization & Habitat
Micromussa corals are distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, including areas like Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Most Micromussa specimens are sourced from Indonesia or Australia, reflecting their habitat diversity within the Indo-Pacific islands.