Why does my Bill Murray Acropora (Acropora tenuis) lose its yellow/pink highlights while the base stays green?

This strain’s pigments respond strongly to spectrum and nutrients. Aim for PAR 250–350 with strong 420–450 nm blue and some 390–405 nm violet. Keep NO3 around 5–15 ppm and PO4 0.03–0.08 ppm; too lean or sudden drops wash out tips and corallite color. Maintain alk 7.5–8.5 dKH; high alk under intense light with low nutrients can cause pale or “burnt” tips.

The colony encrusts well but stalls before branching—how can I kickstart vertical growth?

Give it room to plate out first; tenuis often builds a thick base before pushing axial tips. Use high, indirect flow that sweeps across the rim, not straight at the axial corallites. Slowly ramp PAR over weeks once the base rims the plug/rock. Trimming a few outer nubs can redirect energy to new vertical shoots; avoid large cuts all at once.

I’m seeing base recession in shaded areas—what’s the best fix without moving the whole colony?

Reduce self-shadowing by pruning a couple of inner branches to open light lanes, and rotate the frag or colony 30–60 degrees. Add a side-light source or slightly widen spread if using LEDs. Increase cross-flow to keep the base clean. Check alk stability and nutrients; RTN/STN at the base often follows small alk swings combined with low PO4.

Are there pests or subtle signs this strain shows earlier than other Acropora?

Tenuis often “telegraphs” trouble with reduced daytime polyp extension and faint bite tracks before flatworms are evident. Blast the colony with a baster to check for AEFW plumes and inspect for eggs on the underside rim. Red bugs cause tip dulling and poor polyp extension. Implement a regular dip/inspection schedule and consider quarantining new acros.

TSA Bill Murray Acropora Coral

Acropora SPS

Overview

Bill Murray Acropora Coral displays tight, upward-branching tips with contrasting polyp color. Acropora tenuis is a small-polyp stony branching coral that prefers strong light and moderate to high, turbulent water flow. It relies mainly on symbiotic algae for energy but benefits from occasional small-particle foods, which can support growth and color. Place high on stable rockwork with ample space from aggressive neighbors, and maintain steady alkalinity and nutrient levels.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult

Lighting High

Flow High

Placement High

Temperament Peaceful (3–4 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 420–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 7–9 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic (primary), microplankton, zooplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, oyster eggs, powdered coral foods, amino acids

Care & Placement

Bill Murray Acropora Coral (Acropora tenuis) thrives in clean, stable, high-energy reef systems. Provide strong, variable flow to keep polyps active and prevent detritus buildup; aim for random, pulsing movement rather than a constant blast. Lighting should be high: PAR 250–400 once acclimated. Start lower and ramp up over 2–3 weeks using reduced intensity or mesh screens to avoid bleaching. Maintain temperature 75–79°F (24–26°C), salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 7.5–9.0 dKH (stable), calcium 420–460 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.02–0.08 ppm. Test 2–3 times weekly at first; use reliable kits and consider periodic ICP to catch trace imbalances. Nutrient stability supports color and growth.Place frags in the upper third of the tank with strong indirect flow; avoid pointing a pump directly at the coral. Give 3–4 inches of space from neighbors; keep away from stinging LPS and soft corals that release chemicals. Acropora can irritate each other on contact—avoid touching colonies. Feed fine particulate foods (e.g., rotifers, reef powders) and amino acids 1–2× weekly at night; a well-fed fish community provides helpful dissolved nutrients. Dip and inspect all new pieces for pests (AEFW, red bugs). Mount on a stable plug or rock with epoxy. Watch for warning signs: pale tips or sudden whitening (excess light/alk swings), slow tissue loss at the base (low flow, pests), or browning (high nutrients/low light). Correct by stabilizing parameters, adjusting light/flow, performing targeted dips, and, if needed, fragging healthy sections.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TSA Bill Murray Acropora Coral

Why does my Bill Murray Acropora (Acropora tenuis) lose its yellow/pink highlights while the base stays green?

This strain’s pigments respond strongly to spectrum and nutrients. Aim for PAR 250–350 with strong 420–450 nm blue and some 390–405 nm violet. Keep NO3 around 5–15 ppm and PO4 0.03–0.08 ppm; too lean or sudden drops wash out tips and corallite color. Maintain alk 7.5–8.5 dKH; high alk under intense light with low nutrients can cause pale or “burnt” tips.
The colony encrusts well but stalls before branching—how can I kickstart vertical growth?

Give it room to plate out first; tenuis often builds a thick base before pushing axial tips. Use high, indirect flow that sweeps across the rim, not straight at the axial corallites. Slowly ramp PAR over weeks once the base rims the plug/rock. Trimming a few outer nubs can redirect energy to new vertical shoots; avoid large cuts all at once.
I’m seeing base recession in shaded areas—what’s the best fix without moving the whole colony?

Reduce self-shadowing by pruning a couple of inner branches to open light lanes, and rotate the frag or colony 30–60 degrees. Add a side-light source or slightly widen spread if using LEDs. Increase cross-flow to keep the base clean. Check alk stability and nutrients; RTN/STN at the base often follows small alk swings combined with low PO4.
Are there pests or subtle signs this strain shows earlier than other Acropora?

Tenuis often “telegraphs” trouble with reduced daytime polyp extension and faint bite tracks before flatworms are evident. Blast the colony with a baster to check for AEFW plumes and inspect for eggs on the underside rim. Red bugs cause tip dulling and poor polyp extension. Implement a regular dip/inspection schedule and consider quarantining new acros.