Acanthastrea Echinata care guide
Acanthastrea Echinata (Acanthastrea echinata) — reef coral, 24-26 °C, PAR 75-175, salinity 1.024-1.026.
Overview
Acanthastrea echinata is an encrusting LPS in the family Lobophylliidae with raised individual corallites. The species is hardy, adaptive and shows a wide colour range; bright neon morphs are highly sought after by reefkeepers.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lobophylliidae
- Genus: Acanthastrea
- Scientific name: Acanthastrea echinata
- Common synonyms: Acan Echinata
Habitat
Widespread across the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to the central Pacific. Wild colonies are typical of reef flats, slopes and rubble zones at moderate depth.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- Salinity (SG): 1.024-1.026
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Alkalinity (dKH): 8-11
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Phosphate (max): 0.03 ppm
- Nitrate (max): 5 ppm
Placement and lighting
- Lighting (PAR): 75-175 PAR
- Flow: medium
- Recommended tank age: 3 months
- Growth rate: 0.2-0.5 cm/mo
Position on rockwork in the middle of the aquarium at moderate light. Medium flow keeps tissue clean and prevents detritus accumulation between corallites; avoid direct strong jet flow that can damage the polyps.
Feeding
Photosynthetic but feeds enthusiastically on mysis or reef-roids one to two times per week. The mouths inflate as feeding tentacles extend, especially in the evening.
Compatibility
Moderately aggressive — corallites can produce short sweeper tentacles. Allow a small buffer of a few centimetres from neighbouring corals. Reef-safe with fish and shrimp.
Care notes
A robust species suitable for cycling-aged tanks. Periodic feeding accelerates colour development and encrusting growth across the mounting rock.