Acropora (Acropora sp.) Care Guide

The gold standard of SPS corals, forming intricate branching structures in vibrant colors. Demands pristine water quality with undetectable nutrients, high light, and strong flow.

Overview

Acropora sp. is a species in the family Acroporidae. The gold standard of SPS corals, forming intricate branching structures in vibrant colors. Demands pristine water quality with undetectable nutrients, high light, and strong flow. The most challenging but rewarding coral group. Sensitive to parameter swings.

Taxonomy

Family: Acroporidae
Genus: Acropora
Scientific name: Acropora sp.
Other names: Staghorn Coral, Table Coral
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Acropora is a large genus of branching small-polyp stony corals that build Indo-Pacific reef frameworks. Fast-growing but demanding, they require intense light, strong flow and very stable water chemistry, drawing most energy from symbiotic algae.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 200 L
Temperature: 24-26 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
KH: 8-12 dKH
Water flow: strong
Adult size: 5-40 cm
Lifespan: 10-50 years
Difficulty: advanced

Diet

Classified as herbivore. Recommended feeding frequency: photosynthetic. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Position in tank: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Small Reef Fish, Wrasses
Avoid with: Coral Nippers, Angelfish, Butterfly Fish

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.