(N8) WA Galaxy Bower - WYSIWYG
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All WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) corals will be the exact specimen in the photo. Please note that corals may grow and shift in coloration slightly in the time between the photo being taken and delivery. We will contact you before shipping in the rare instance that the coral no longer meets the standards set by the photo.
Bowerbanki corals, also known as Acanthastrea bowerbanki, are stunning LPS corals prized for their fleshy polyps, vibrant coloration, and unique skeletal growth. They are moderately hardy, making them suitable for a wide range of reef keepers, from intermediate to advanced hobbyists. With their dramatic patterns and ability to form colonies, Bowerbanki add bold contrast and movement to any reef display.
Description:
Common Names: Bowerbanki Coral, Micromussa Coral
Scientific Name: Acanthastrea bowerbanki
Family: Mussidae
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (can extend sweeper tentacles at night)
Difficulty: Moderate
Note: Bowerbanki are often confused with Acans and other Micromussa species but can be identified by their distinctive skeletal structure and large polyps.
Native Habitat & Distribution:
Bowerbanki corals are found throughout the Indo-Pacific, typically in deeper reef slopes and shaded areas where flow is gentle to moderate.
Aquarium Care & Setup:
Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.024–1.026
Lighting: Moderate (50–150 PAR), with gradual acclimation to brighter light if needed
Flow: Low to moderate; avoid direct, high-intensity flow to prevent polyp retraction
Placement: Lower rockwork or sandbed with adequate space from aggressive neighbors
Care Tips & Feeding:
• Feeding: Photosynthetic but benefits greatly from target feeding with mysis, brine shrimp, or coral-specific pellets 2–3 times per week
• Growth Pattern: Encrusting and dome-shaped colonies with fleshy, puffed polyps
• Tankmates: Compatible with peaceful reef fish and inverts; avoid coral-eating species and those that may nip at fleshy tissue
• Behavior: Polyps expand fully during the day, adding depth and movement to the aquascape
For more information, check out our Bowerbanki Care Guide.
Are Bowerbanki corals easy to care for?
They are moderately hardy and suitable for reef keepers with some experience, as long as lighting and flow are kept stable.
What lighting do Bowerbanki corals need?
They do best under moderate lighting, generally between 50–150 PAR. Avoid sudden exposure to high-intensity light.
Do Bowerbanki corals need feeding?
Yes, while they host zooxanthellae for photosynthesis, they grow faster and display better coloration when fed meaty foods.
Where should I place Bowerbanki corals in my tank?
Lower rockwork or sandbed with gentle to moderate flow is ideal, allowing polyps to expand without being blasted.
Are Bowerbanki corals aggressive?
Yes, they have sweeper tentacles that can sting nearby corals, so give them space.
How fast do Bowerbanki corals grow?
They grow at a moderate pace, steadily forming dome-shaped colonies over time.