Coral Care Info Acanthastrea Bowerbanki

Acanthastrea bowerbanki, often referred to as “Bowerbanki” or simply “Bowerbanki Acan,” is a large polyp stony coral known for its thick, fleshy polyps and bold, vibrant coloration. Unlike smaller Micromussa (Acan lord) varieties, Bowerbanki develop larger, more defined heads and can form impressive colonies over time. They are a great choice for reef aquariums due to their durability, strong feeding response, and striking appearance.

Care Requirements

Lighting (PAR Range)

• Acanthastrea bowerbanki typically thrive in 50-120 PAR.
• Moderate to lower lighting helps maintain deep coloration and prevents stress.
• Too much light can cause bleaching or tissue recession.
• Always acclimate new specimens slowly, especially pieces from new arrival corals.

Flow

• Low to moderate, indirect flow is ideal.
• Flow should be gentle enough to allow full polyp inflation.
• Strong direct flow can damage fleshy tissue and cause retraction.
• Light flow helps prevent debris buildup between polyps.

Placement

• Best placed on the sand bed or lower rockwork.
• Provide space for expansion and feeding response.
• Avoid sharp surfaces that can damage tissue.
• Placement should be planned carefully in tanks with small polyp stonies corals, which may be sensitive to contact.

Aggression

• Moderately aggressive coral.
• Can extend feeder tentacles, especially at night.
• May sting nearby corals if placed too close.
• Should be given space in mixed reef environments.

Growth Rate

• Moderate growth rate under stable conditions.
• Forms large, multi-head colonies over time.
• Growth improves with regular feeding and stable parameters.
• Consistent alkalinity and calcium support skeletal development.

Feeding

Acanthastrea bowerbanki respond very well to feeding and can show noticeable improvements in size, color, and expansion when fed regularly. While they are photosynthetic, they actively capture food and benefit from supplemental feeding. Newly introduced specimens from newest corals should be given time to settle before starting a feeding routine.

• Feed meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or chopped seafood.
• Target feeding once or twice per week is typically sufficient.
• Ensure food is captured to prevent waste and maintain water quality.

Tank Compatibility

Bowerbanki corals are well suited for mixed reef aquariums when given proper spacing. Their fleshy tissue makes them vulnerable to aggressive neighbors. In tanks that include soft corals or spreading species like zoanthids, careful placement helps prevent contact and competition for space.

• Compatible with most reef-safe fish and invertebrates.
• Avoid placing near highly aggressive corals.
• Allow space for colony expansion and feeding response.

Common Problems

• Tissue recession caused by excessive light or unstable parameters.
• Damage from strong flow or nearby aggressive corals.
• Detritus buildup between polyps in low flow areas.
• Reduced expansion due to stress or poor placement.

Tips for Success

• Provide moderate lighting and gentle flow.
• Feed regularly to enhance growth and coloration.
• Maintain stable alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium levels.
• Place on sand or smooth rock to protect tissue.
• Monitor polyp extension regularly as a health indicator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Bowerbanki and Acan?
Bowerbanki corals have larger polyps and a more robust structure compared to smaller Micromussa (Acan lord) varieties.

Does Acanthastrea bowerbanki need to be fed?
While they can survive on light, feeding significantly improves growth, expansion, and coloration.

Can Bowerbanki be placed on sand?
Yes, they are commonly placed on sand or lower rockwork where they can expand safely.

Is Bowerbanki aggressive?
They are moderately aggressive and can extend feeder tentacles, so spacing is recommended.

Acanthastrea bowerbanki corals are a standout addition to reef aquariums, offering bold color, large fleshy polyps, and strong feeding responses. With proper care, they can grow into impressive colonies and become a centerpiece in the tank. You can explore similar species in our large polyp stonies corals collection, browse larger specimens in our new arrival coral colonies, discover standout pieces in our featured corals, learn about our systems on our facility page, and stay updated through the Extreme Corals news and updates blog.