Acanthastrea echinata

Datasheet

General Description:

The Autumn Echinata Coral, a stunning variation of Acanthastrea echinata, presents a dazzling array of colors, including green, orange, turquoise, and plum hues, coupled with remarkable texture. Known for its vibrant appearance and captivating beauty, this coral adds a colorful touch to any aquarium setting.

Demands and Hardiness:

To thrive, the Autumn Echinata Coral requires moderate lighting provided by T-5 fluorescent, powerful LED, or metal halide fixtures. Maintaining high water quality with proper pH, alkalinity, and calcium levels is crucial, alongside minimizing phosphate and nitrate levels. Adequate water flow, achieved through powerheads, wavemakers, or circulation pumps, is essential. Additionally, caution is advised due to its aggressive nocturnal predatory behavior, necessitating ample space between neighboring corals to prevent conflict.

Lighting:

Moderate lighting ranging from dim to medium-high is suitable for the Autumn Echinata Coral, as it can adapt to various light intensities. The coral's coloration may vary based on the light it receives, although this does not impact its overall health.

Water Flow:

Maintaining moderate water flow within the aquarium is recommended for the Autumn Echinata Coral. Placing it in a low to medium flow area helps prevent stress and allows the coral to extend fully for optimal health. Lower flow conditions also facilitate feeding opportunities, contributing to the coral's well-being.

Feeding:

The Autumn Echinata Coral benefits from regular feeding to support its long-term health. Offering a variety of frozen fish foods, such as shrimp, fish, and squid with added vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids, promotes nutrition. The presence of feeding tentacles, even during the daytime, indicates good health in these corals.

Propagation:

Propagation of the Autumn Echinata Coral involves successful fragmentation methods. While specific care practices may vary, similar techniques can be applied to ensure successful propagation of this coral species.

Localization & Habitat:

Autumn Echinata Corals are commonly found around the islands of the Indopacific, including regions like Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. These corals typically originate from Australia and thrive in reef environments with suitable lighting, water flow, and feeding conditions.