Acropora Care Guide – Care, Feeding & Lighting Tips

Introduction

Acropora corals are the crown jewels of SPS reef aquariums. Known for their branching staghorn and tabling forms, they bring height, structure, and incredible color to a reef. While stunning, Acropora are among the most challenging corals to keep, requiring stable water chemistry, strong flow, and intense lighting to thrive.

Scientific Name & Identification

Acropora (Acropora species) are small polyp stony corals with hundreds of different morphs. They are recognized by their tightly packed polyps and distinctive growth forms—branching, plating, and tabling. Their coloration ranges from brilliant neon shades to complex multi-colored patterns that glow under actinic lighting.

Natural Habitat

In the wild, Acropora dominate shallow reef crests throughout the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean. They are adapted to turbulent waters and intense sunlight, making them fast growers in the right conditions. Their reef-building role is vital, as large Acropora colonies provide structure for countless reef fish and invertebrates.

Aquarium Care & Setup

To replicate natural conditions, aquariums housing Acropora must provide:

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.024–1.026

• Flow: Strong, random, and turbulent flow to prevent debris buildup and keep tissues healthy

• Lighting: Intense reef lighting (250–400 PAR), ideally with spectrum-rich LEDs, metal halides, or T5 combinations

• Placement: Higher rockwork, with ample space for branching colonies to expand

Acropora are highly sensitive to swings in alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium. Dosing or calcium reactors are often required to maintain stability.

Feeding Acropora

Although Acropora corals gain most of their nutrition from their symbiotic zooxanthellae, they benefit from occasional feeding. Fine particulate coral foods, phytoplankton, or amino acid supplements can improve growth and intensify coloration.

Growth and Behavior

Acropora are among the fastest-growing SPS corals under proper care. Colonies can quickly dominate reef tanks, creating forest-like branches or wide plating structures. Their polyps extend slightly, adding shimmer and movement under high flow.

Tankmates

Acropora thrive with other SPS and peaceful reef inhabitants. Tangs, anthias, gobies, wrasses, and cleaner shrimp are ideal tankmates. Avoid corals with long sweeper tentacles, such as Euphyllia, and fish that may nip at polyps.

Common Challenges

• Parameter Swings: Acropora are highly sensitive to alkalinity, calcium, and nutrient fluctuations.

• Insufficient Flow or Light: Leads to tissue loss or poor coloration.

• Pests: Acropora-eating flatworms (AEFW) and red bugs are common threats in SPS tanks.

Conclusion

Acropora corals are iconic, fast-growing SPS that transform reef aquariums into living coral forests. While demanding, they reward skilled aquarists with unmatched growth, color, and beauty. For reef keepers ready to advance into high-energy SPS systems, Acropora are the ultimate challenge and prize.

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