Acanthastrea

Acansthrea

Origin: Australia, Indo-pacific

Description:
Acanthastrea are often smaller polyped than some other the other Large Polyp Stony corals such as open brains, but share many visual similarities in shape and coloration. They can come in a variety of colors as well as growth patterns depending on species or morph. They often extend feeding tentacles at night or in the presence of food from their outer ring of flesh. The tentacles direct the food towards a centrally based mouth.

Lighting Requirements:
Acanthastrea seem to prefer medium to high lighting. Placement in tank should be determined by your lighting type (higher if using lower powered lights) and amount of flow in a given area.

Flow Requirements:
These corals prefer a low-flow environment so their flesh polyps can extend without being blown around like a sail. Some moderate flow may be helpful in preventing sediment from settling on the polyps.

Growth:
Acanthastrea have a calcium based skeleton which the heads will grow out from. heads seem to typically form from buds below pre-existing heads. As they grow their skeletal features will grow as well. Propagation can be done by splitting the heads apart avoiding damage to the flesh as much as possible.

Difficulty:
Easy - Intermediate

Rarity:
Increasingly common

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