Acanthastrea

Introduction to Acanthastrea

Acanthastrea, commonly known as Acan Coral, is a Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral celebrated for its vibrant coloration, plump polyps, and hardiness. It is one of the most popular corals among reef hobbyists due to its ease of care, feeding response, and adaptability to a wide range of aquarium conditions.

This coral features fleshy polyps in striking color combinations such as red, green, blue, orange, and purple, often with mesmerizing patterns and contrasting mouths. Acanthastrea species like A. lordhowensis and A. echinata are highly sought after for their unique growth forms and bold appearance.

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

Acanthastrea corals are native to the Indo-Pacific region, including Australia, Indonesia, Fiji, Tonga, and the Great Barrier Reef. They thrive in shallow reef slopes, lagoons, and protected reef areas with moderate lighting and gentle water flow. These conditions allow their fleshy tissue to expand fully while receiving ample nutrients.

Why Choose Acanthastrea for Your Reef Tank?

• Colorful and Eye-Catching – Offers a stunning array of vibrant colors and patterns.
• Beginner-Friendly – Hardy and easy to care for with stable parameters.
• Peaceful Coral – Coexists well with other LPS corals when given enough space.
• Responsive Feeder – Readily extends feeding tentacles and accepts a wide variety of foods.

Optimal Water Parameters

Consistent water quality is key to maintaining vibrant coloration and preventing tissue recession.

Tank Size and Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger.
• Placement: Mid to lower areas of the tank where flow is moderate.
• Substrate Considerations: Best placed on live rock or soft sand, depending on the desired display style.

Provide enough room for the coral to expand without touching others. Acanthastrea can grow outward, forming small colonies that slowly encrust rock surfaces.

Lighting Requirements

Acanthastrea prefers moderate lighting levels that replicate its natural reef environment.

• PAR Range: 80–150 PAR
• Lighting Type: LED, T5, or hybrid fixtures with a strong blue spectrum.
• Lighting Schedule: 8–10 hours per day with gentle ramp-up and ramp-down transitions.

Avoid excessive lighting, which can cause tissue bleaching or retraction.

Water Flow and Circulation

• Low to moderate, indirect flow is ideal.
• Gentle water movement ensures proper oxygen exchange without stressing polyps.
• Avoid placing Acans in areas with strong, direct current, which can damage delicate tissue.

Feeding and Nutrition

While Acanthastrea corals are photosynthetic, they benefit significantly from regular feeding.

• Preferred Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, reef roids, finely minced seafood, and amino acid supplements.
• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times per week.
• Best Feeding Method: Target feeding with a pipette or turkey baster when feeding tentacles are extended (usually at night).

Proper feeding enhances growth, color vibrancy, and polyp extension.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

• Safe Companions: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, shrimp, and snails.
• Caution With: Other LPS corals—Acanthastrea has short sweeper tentacles and may sting nearby corals if too close.
• Avoid: Aggressive fish like angelfish, butterflyfish, or certain wrasses that may nip at fleshy tissue.

Maintain at least 3–4 inches of space between Acans and neighboring corals.

Growth Rate and Propagation

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast under stable conditions and regular feeding.
• Propagation: Simple and effective.

How to Frag Acanthastrea Coral:

1. Use a coral saw or bone cutters to carefully separate individual heads at the skeleton base.
2. Mount frags onto plugs or small rocks using reef-safe glue.
3. Place in a low-flow, moderate-light area until healed.

With consistent care, frags typically heal within 1–2 weeks.

Common Diseases and How to Prevent Them

• Brown Jelly Disease: Caused by bacterial infection from tissue damage or poor flow. Treat with iodine dips and improve circulation.
• Tissue Recession: Commonly results from poor water stability or pest irritation.
• Algae Growth: Prevent by maintaining stable nutrient levels and adequate cleanup crew presence.

Handling and Acclimation

• Drip acclimation over 30–45 minutes is recommended.
• Handle the coral carefully by the skeleton to avoid tearing the fleshy polyps.

Acanthastrea adapts quickly when introduced gradually into stable environments.

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Perform 10–15% weekly water changes to maintain optimal parameters.
• Use activated carbon or protein skimmers to reduce organic waste and enhance water clarity.
• Gently blow off debris from the coral using a turkey baster.

Signs of Stress and How to Address Them

• Tissue retraction or loss: Indicates unstable alkalinity or too much flow.
• Pale coloration: May be due to excessive light or nutrient deficiency.
• Slow growth: Increase feeding and verify calcium and alkalinity balance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Bleaching: Move to a shaded area or lower light zone.
• Slow Recovery: Feed more frequently and maintain pristine water quality.
• Pest Infestation: Inspect regularly for flatworms, nudibranchs, or parasitic snails.