What lighting is best for Acan Echinata?

Low to moderate lighting with ideal PAR range of 50-150. Too much light can cause fading or tissue stress.

How often should I feed Acan Echinata?

Feed 1-2 times per week with meaty foods such as mysis shrimp or pellets. Target feeding improves growth and coloration.

Where should I place Acan Echinata in the tank?

Best on the sandbed or lower rockwork where it can expand safely without strong direct flow.

Coral Care Info Acanthastrea Echinata

Q: Is Acan Echinata aggressive?

Yes, Acan Echinata is one of the more aggressive LPS corals and extends sweeper tentacles, especially at night. Provide plenty of space from other corals.

Acanthastrea Echinata Coral Care Guide

Care Requirements of Acanthastrea Echinata in Home Reef Aquariums

Acanthastrea echinata coral care is moderately easy, making this vibrant LPS coral a favorite among reef hobbyists. Known for its intense coloration, thick tissue, and aggressive nature, Acan echinata can become a standout piece in your reef tank when given proper space and stable conditions.

Care Requirements

Lighting (PAR Range)

Low to Moderate lighting
Ideal PAR: 50–150
Too much light can cause fading or stress

Flow

Low to moderate flow
Avoid strong direct flow that can damage tissue

Placement

Best placed on the sand bed or lower rockwork
Requires space due to aggressive behavior

Aggression

Aggressive coral
Extends sweeper tentacles, especially at night
Can sting and damage nearby corals

Growth Rate

Moderate growth
Forms encrusting colonies over time

Feeding

Acanthastrea echinata benefits from regular feeding to maintain color and growth.

Feed 1–2 times per week
Accepts mysis shrimp, pellets, and other meaty foods
Target feeding improves growth and coloration

Tank Compatibility

Compatible with most reef-safe fish
Avoid placing near peaceful or delicate corals
Pairs well with other LPS corals for sale
Can also be combined with soft corals for sale if spaced properly

Common Problems

Aggression damaging nearby corals
Tissue recession from unstable parameters
Fading color from excessive light

Tips for Success

Maintain stable alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium
Provide adequate spacing from other corals
Feed regularly for best color and growth
Keep in lower light and moderate flow areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Acan Echinata aggressive?
Yes, it is one of the more aggressive LPS corals and requires space.

Is it beginner friendly?
It can be kept by beginners with proper placement and stable parameters.

How often should I feed it?
1–2 times per week is ideal for growth and coloration.

Browse new coral arrivals or visit our reef aquarium blog for more care tips.

About the Author

Scott Shiles is the owner of ExtremeCorals.com, which he has operated for over 25 years and is recognized as one of the early dedicated live coral websites on the internet. A lifelong reef keeper since 1984, Scott has decades of hands-on experience maintaining marine aquariums and previously owned and operated a brick and mortar aquarium retail store for 10 years, including five years alongside Extreme Corals. He holds a degree in Marine Biology and has personally selected and sold hundreds of thousands of live corals. An avid scuba diver who has explored reef systems around the world, Scott shares practical coral care and husbandry knowledge based on real world reef experience.