Acan Echinata Coral Care Guide – Care, Feeding & Lighting Tips

Introduction

Acan Echinata corals (Acanthastrea echinata) are large-polyp LPS corals valued for their fleshy polyps and bright, vibrant colors. Their bold polyps create a dynamic presence in reef aquariums. With moderate care, these corals thrive and slowly expand to form encrusting colonies, providing both color and texture to the reef.

Scientific Name & Identification

Acan Echinata belong to the family Lobophylliidae. They are distinguished by their thick, fleshy polyps and encrusting growth. Colonies typically exhibit bright greens, reds, oranges, and multi-colored morphs. Unlike other Acanthastrea species, A. echinata has flatter polyps with pronounced texture and minimal division between polyps, making it easily identifiable.

Natural Habitat

In the wild, Acan Echinata are found in shallow to mid-depth Indo-Pacific reefs, often in moderate flow areas with some shade. These conditions inform aquarium placement and care.

Aquarium Care & Setup

Stable conditions and moderate parameters are key:

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.024–1.026

• Flow: Low to moderate to allow polyps to fully extend

• Lighting: Moderate (50–150 PAR)

• Placement: Lower rockwork or sandbed with spacing from neighboring corals

Feeding

Although largely photosynthetic, Acan Echinata benefit from target feeding 2–3 times per week with small meaty foods such as mysis, brine shrimp, or coral pellets. Feeding encourages polyp extension, coloration, and growth.

Growth and Behavior

Acan Echinata grows moderately, forming encrusting colonies covered in fleshy polyps. Polyps expand during the day and night, creating a textured, dynamic surface. Sweeper tentacles extend at night, so spacing from other corals is recommended.

Tankmates

Peaceful reef fish such as gobies, clownfish, tangs, and cleaner shrimp are compatible. Avoid coral-eating species or aggressive LPS that may overshadow or sting polyps.

Conclusion

Acan Echinata corals are vibrant, moderately hardy LPS corals that add movement, color, and texture to reef aquariums. With stable water parameters, moderate lighting and flow, and occasional feeding, they thrive and provide long-term beauty to mixed reef setups.

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