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Acropora (general)
Acropora sp.
Description:
Acropora sp. are small polyp stony corals with very thin flesh covering their calcium based skeleton. These corals come in a variety of colors and growth formations depending on species. Though there is a huge variety to choose from, generally the requirements are fairly similar.
Lighting Requirements:
Acroporas require very intense lighting, many aquarist choose to use Metal Halide lamps or T5 flourescents to achieve the light levels necessary for this coral. The lighting requirements of this coral is often much higher than the beginning hobby can support with the lighting usually supplied with aquariums. The cost of upgrading lighting equipment and pristine water quality demands of this genus often deters begining hobbyist. These species are not particularly difficult to keep once the necessary criteria are met though.
Flow Requirements:
Acropora corals require very high flow to achieve high growth rates and ideal coloration. The flow should be as high as possible so long as the flesh itself does not appear to be irritated by the flow. If the flow is too high than the flesh may be locally torn or killed. If this occurs flow should be reduced. A healthy specimen will be able to recover this from this minor abrasion. The high flow requirements of this genus can make it difficult to place near other low-flow demanding corals so it is recommended to place acropora corals together and low flow corals further away in a spot with the appropriate amount of flow.
Growth:
Acropora sp. will grow upwards with individual polyps pointing upwards towards the light source. The "base" of the coral, or point where the coral is attached to the rock work or plug, will often encrust outward increasing the coral's stability. Frequently new branches will grow out of the encrusted base or branch off existing branches in a tree light structure depending on species.
when individual branches of acropora corals break they may encrust to the rock and grow new branches if they happen to fall somewhere they can remain undisturbed. Propagation can be done by clipping or breaking off branches and attaching them to plugs, small rocks, or the main rockwork with super glue, marine epoxy, or anything non-toxic which can hold the coral in place long enough for it to encrust on it's own.
For optimum growth Acropora sp. require high flow, intense light, and pristine water quality. Once these criteria are met they are usually fairly easy to keep. They should be placed with enough distance to prevent them from growing into each other as they mature. If these corals come into contact with other corals they will often sting each other causing localized tissue necrosis.
Difficulty:
Medium
