Micromussa Amakusensis Care Guide
Micromussa Amakusensis (Micromussa amakusensis) is a LPS coral. Care covers 75-175 PAR, medium flow, reef parameters and feeding; intermediate level.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Micromussa Amakusensis (Micromussa amakusensis) is a LPS coral in the family Lobophylliidae. Small-polyped Micromussa with intensely colored, tightly packed corallites. Compact frag option.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lobophylliidae
- Genus: Micromussa
- Scientific name: Micromussa amakusensis
- Common synonyms: Mini Acan, Amakusensis
Habitat
In the wild, Micromussa amakusensis is reported from Indo-Pacific, Japan, where it occupies mid to lower reef slopes and lagoons (typically 5-30 m). The species adopts a encrusting growth form on hard substrate within zooxanthellate reef communities.
Tank requirements
- Salinity (specific gravity): 1.024-1.026
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-11
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Phosphate (max): 0.03 ppm
- Nitrate (max): 5 ppm
- Minimum system age: 3 months
Placement and lighting
- PAR (placement zone): 75-175 PAR
- Water flow: medium
Mount this LPS coral on the lower or mid rockwork or on the sand bed (for free-living forms) where light is moderate. Strong direct flow can damage the fleshy tissue; aim for indirect, varied movement.
Feeding
Micromussa amakusensis hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae and derives most of its energy through photosynthesis. Supplemental target feeding accelerates growth and supports colouration; commonly accepted items include mysis, reef-roids. Feed once or twice per week after lights-out, when polyps are extended.
Compatibility
This coral is moderately aggressive toward neighbours. It extends sweeper tentacles capable of stinging adjacent corals, so leave generous spacing (10-20 cm) between colonies. Reef-safe with most fish and invertebrates.
Care notes
Difficulty level: intermediate. Reported skeletal growth in well-tuned reef tanks is approximately 0.2-0.4 cm/month. Propagation by fragmentation is straightforward for encrusting colonies — separate branches or polyps with a bone cutter, glue to plug, allow 1-2 weeks for healing. Maintain stable alkalinity (avoid swings above ±0.5 dKH per day) to preserve tissue health.
Micromussa amakusensis Propagation Guide
Overview
Micromussa amakusensis is a small-polyped large-polyp stony coral in the family Lobophylliidae and one of the recognized species of the genus Micromussa, alongside Micromussa lordhowensis. Its corallites are smaller and more tightly packed than those of the larger acans, giving a compact colony of many closely set polyps.
Reproductive Mode
The coral is colonial, growing by adding corallites that each contain a polyp. Because the colony is modular, it propagates asexually when divided into pieces that each carry one or more polyps, exactly as with related acans.
Fragging / Asexual Propagation
Acans such as Micromussa are cut with a band saw around the polyps; a typical frag is about two to four polyps, though the small, dense corallites of this species allow neat compact frags. The base is cut flat and the frag is glued to a plug to heal and encrust, with the cut kept thick enough to spare the living polyp tissue.
Conditions for Propagation
Freshly cut frags recover best in a mature system with stable parameters, moderate flow and moderate light. Regular feeding supports tissue regrowth over the wound and onto the plug, while clean water limits infection at the cut.
Common Challenges
With small, tightly packed polyps, it is easy to cut into living tissue, and thin frags or poor water quality after cutting can cause recession or infection. Keeping frags in low flow until the wound seals improves survival.