How do I keep the “Colonel Mustard” yellow tones on Acropora tenuis without washing it out?

Aim for strong light (PAR ~250–350) with a heavy blue spectrum (420–460 nm). Keep nutrients measurable but lean: nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.02–0.07 ppm. Avoid ultra-low nutrients that cause paling, and avoid high phosphate that dulls yellow. Stable alkalinity (7.5–8.5 dKH) is key; sudden boosts often mute pigments or burn tips.

My tenuis encrusts for months before branching—normal for this morph?

Yes. A. tenuis typically encrusts to secure the base, then throws thick axial growth. To speed branching, maintain high, chaotic flow to clear mucus/detritus, ensure steady alk/Ca/Mg, and avoid frequent fragging. Provide space around the base to prevent self-shading; rotating the plug a quarter turn biweekly can even out light and promote symmetrical branching.

What pests uniquely trouble A. tenuis, and how can I detect them on a yellow morph?

Acropora-eating flatworms and “red bugs” are the big risks. On yellow tissue, bite marks can be subtle—look for dull crescent scarring and excessive polyp retraction. Blast the colony with a baster; AEFW often dislodge as beige ovals. Use prophylactic dips (e.g., iodine, Bayer/CPR protocols) and a 4–6 week observation in a separate system before display.

Why do my tips pale while the base stays colored?

Tip paling in tenuis is usually from a mismatch of high light and low available nutrients or rapid alkalinity rise. Verify PAR at the tips, raise nutrients slightly, and stop chasing higher alk. If tissue is receding (STN) rather than pale, check for nightly temp or pH swings and increase random flow across the tips to reduce localized stress.

TSA Colonel Mustard Acropora Coral

Acropora SPS

Overview

Colonel Mustard Acropora Coral shows yellow to golden branch tips with tight axial corallites. Acropora tenuis is a branching small-polyp stony coral; it prefers strong, stable light and moderate to high, turbulent water flow. It relies mainly on symbiotic algae for energy, but occasional small-particle foods can support growth and maintain color. Place high on the rockwork with room to grow, and keep distance from aggressive or stinging neighbors.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult

Lighting High

Flow High

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 420–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 7.5–8.5 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic, microplankton, very fine zooplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, powdered coral foods (e.g., Reef-Roids), amino acid supplements, bacterioplankton

Care & Placement

Colonel Mustard Acropora Coral (Acropora tenuis) thrives with strong, stable conditions and clean, oxygen‑rich water. Target 250–400 PAR under full‑spectrum LED, T5, or metal halide; acclimate to light by starting mid‑tank and moving higher over 2–3 weeks or use screen layers to avoid bleaching. Provide high, random flow from alternating pumps to keep polyps extended and prevent detritus buildup; avoid a constant jet directly at the tissue. Keep temperature 24–26°C (75–79°F), pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.025–1.026 (35 ppt), alkalinity 8–9 dKH with minimal daily swing, calcium 420–460 ppm, and magnesium 1300–1400 ppm. Maintain nutrients low but present: nitrate 5–15 ppm and phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm to support color and growth. Feed a few times weekly with fine zooplankton, rotifers, and amino acids; turn down flow briefly to improve capture.Place high in the tank with strong light and flow, giving 5–8 cm (2–3 in) clearance from other SPS and more from aggressive LPS with long sweepers. Expect rapid encrusting and branching that can shade neighbors; prune as needed. Dip and quarantine to avoid pests (AEFW, red bugs); inspect at night for bite marks. Mount on a stable plug or rock ledge with good airflow. Test alkalinity and nutrients 2–3 times weekly until stable; automate dosing if demand is high. If tissue recedes, check for alkalinity swings, pests, and flow dead spots. Pale color suggests too much light or too little nutrients; browning points to excess nutrients or low light.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TSA Colonel Mustard Acropora Coral

How do I keep the “Colonel Mustard” yellow tones on Acropora tenuis without washing it out?

Aim for strong light (PAR ~250–350) with a heavy blue spectrum (420–460 nm). Keep nutrients measurable but lean: nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.02–0.07 ppm. Avoid ultra-low nutrients that cause paling, and avoid high phosphate that dulls yellow. Stable alkalinity (7.5–8.5 dKH) is key; sudden boosts often mute pigments or burn tips.
My tenuis encrusts for months before branching—normal for this morph?

Yes. A. tenuis typically encrusts to secure the base, then throws thick axial growth. To speed branching, maintain high, chaotic flow to clear mucus/detritus, ensure steady alk/Ca/Mg, and avoid frequent fragging. Provide space around the base to prevent self-shading; rotating the plug a quarter turn biweekly can even out light and promote symmetrical branching.
What pests uniquely trouble A. tenuis, and how can I detect them on a yellow morph?

Acropora-eating flatworms and “red bugs” are the big risks. On yellow tissue, bite marks can be subtle—look for dull crescent scarring and excessive polyp retraction. Blast the colony with a baster; AEFW often dislodge as beige ovals. Use prophylactic dips (e.g., iodine, Bayer/CPR protocols) and a 4–6 week observation in a separate system before display.
Why do my tips pale while the base stays colored?

Tip paling in tenuis is usually from a mismatch of high light and low available nutrients or rapid alkalinity rise. Verify PAR at the tips, raise nutrients slightly, and stop chasing higher alk. If tissue is receding (STN) rather than pale, check for nightly temp or pH swings and increase random flow across the tips to reduce localized stress.

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