How do I keep the “blood-red” coloration from fading or browning in Blood Spear Acropora (Acropora sp.)?

Maintain strong but acclimated PAR (250–350) with rich violet/blue (420–470 nm) and moderate white. Keep NO3 around 2–10 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.08 ppm; too lean pales, too rich browns. Hold alk steady (7.5–8.5 dKH), Ca 420–460, Mg 1300–1400. Monitor potassium (380–420 ppm)—low K often washes out reds. Avoid abrupt spectrum or photoperiod changes.

What growth quirks should I plan for with this spear-branched morph?

It encrusts, then sends narrow, upright “spears” that can self-shade and trap detritus at the base. Mount high with open space and cross-flow so branches sway and light penetrates. Periodically prune interior branches to prevent basal shadowing. A slightly angled mount improves light to the core and reduces stagnant pockets that can trigger STN at the base.

How can I spot and address pests that target this coral before damage spreads?

Watch for reduced polyp extension and yellowish “sugar-grain” dots (red bugs) or semicircular bite marks/white patches (AEFW). Inspect undersides and shaded areas. Act fast: isolate, dip (commercial coral dips), turkey-baste to dislodge, and repeat per life cycle. Quarantine new frags. Differentiate from alk burn (uniform tip burn after a spike) to avoid misdiagnosis.

What’s the best response to sudden basal tissue recession on an established colony?

Stabilize parameters first (especially alkalinity), increase turbulent flow at the base, and gently baste out detritus. Trim back shaded or dead skeleton to stop creep and frag healthy tips as insurance. Verify nutrients aren’t bottoming out. Consider a short blackout or reduced whites if photoinhibition is suspected. If progression continues, isolate and perform targeted dips.

TSA Blood Spear Acropora Coral

Acropora SPS

Overview

Blood Spear Acropora Coral shows deep red to burgundy branch tips with fine axial corallites. Acropora sp., a branching stony coral, prefers strong light and high, turbulent flow. It relies mainly on symbiotic algae for energy; occasional small-polyp foods at night can support growth and maintain color. Place high on stable rock with space from aggressive neighbors, and keep alkalinity stable with low, consistent nutrients.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult

Lighting High

Flow High, turbulent

Placement High

Temperament Peaceful (3–6 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 400–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 7–9 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic, microplankton, zooplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, oyster eggs, cyclops, powdered coral foods, amino acid supplements

Care & Placement

Blood Spear Acropora Coral (Acropora sp.) thrives under bright, stable conditions with strong, random water movement. Target 250–400 PAR and high, turbulent flow to keep polyps active and prevent detritus buildup at the base. Place high on the rockwork with clear space for branching growth; give at least 3–4 inches from neighbors and avoid contact with aggressive corals and soft corals that release chemicals. Primarily photosynthetic, it benefits from occasional small-particle foods (e.g., rotifers, reef roids) and light amino dosing 1–2 times weekly if nutrients are low. Keep temperature 75–79°F (24–26°C), salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 420–460 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, and phosphate 0.02–0.08 ppm. Use reliable test kits and maintain stability; sudden swings often cause stress.Acclimate by dipping for pests, drip acclimating 30–45 minutes, and ramping light over 2–3 weeks (use screen layers or lower intensity, increasing gradually). Mount firmly in high flow so tissue stays clean and shaded bases are minimized. Watch for bleaching (too much light/too little nutrients) and tissue recession (from parameter swings or pests). If issues arise, verify alkalinity stability, improve flow, modestly raise nutrients, and inspect for pests like flatworms or red bugs; quarantine and re-dip if needed. Avoid touching growing tips, keep heaters and pumps reliable, and perform consistent, moderate water changes to support trace balance without chasing additives.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TSA Blood Spear Acropora Coral

How do I keep the “blood-red” coloration from fading or browning in Blood Spear Acropora (Acropora sp.)?

Maintain strong but acclimated PAR (250–350) with rich violet/blue (420–470 nm) and moderate white. Keep NO3 around 2–10 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.08 ppm; too lean pales, too rich browns. Hold alk steady (7.5–8.5 dKH), Ca 420–460, Mg 1300–1400. Monitor potassium (380–420 ppm)—low K often washes out reds. Avoid abrupt spectrum or photoperiod changes.
What growth quirks should I plan for with this spear-branched morph?

It encrusts, then sends narrow, upright “spears” that can self-shade and trap detritus at the base. Mount high with open space and cross-flow so branches sway and light penetrates. Periodically prune interior branches to prevent basal shadowing. A slightly angled mount improves light to the core and reduces stagnant pockets that can trigger STN at the base.
How can I spot and address pests that target this coral before damage spreads?

Watch for reduced polyp extension and yellowish “sugar-grain” dots (red bugs) or semicircular bite marks/white patches (AEFW). Inspect undersides and shaded areas. Act fast: isolate, dip (commercial coral dips), turkey-baste to dislodge, and repeat per life cycle. Quarantine new frags. Differentiate from alk burn (uniform tip burn after a spike) to avoid misdiagnosis.
What’s the best response to sudden basal tissue recession on an established colony?

Stabilize parameters first (especially alkalinity), increase turbulent flow at the base, and gently baste out detritus. Trim back shaded or dead skeleton to stop creep and frag healthy tips as insurance. Verify nutrients aren’t bottoming out. Consider a short blackout or reduced whites if photoinhibition is suspected. If progression continues, isolate and perform targeted dips.