Why does my Exquisita Acropora lose tissue at the base while tips keep growing?

Its corymbose growth quickly shades the interior, and smooth branches trap less flow there. Base recession is often shadowing and detritus, not disease. Prune dense tips to open light paths, add cross-lighting or slightly raise PAR from the sides, and increase random, turbulent flow. Periodically rotate the colony and blast detritus with a turkey baster to keep the base clean.

What drives the green body/blue-tip look, and how do I keep colors from washing out?

Spectrum and nutrients matter. Strong blue/violet (400–470 nm) favors blue tips; adequate overall PAR keeps the green base saturated. Keep balanced NO3/PO4; ultra-low nutrients with high light can pastel the colony, while excess nutrients brown it. Stable alkalinity avoids tip burn that saps color. Potassium and iodine at natural seawater levels support blues; test before dosing.

Are there pests that target Exquisita more, and how can I spot them early?

Acropora-eating flatworms and red bugs are common threats. On A. exquisita, look for pale semicircle bite marks around smooth axial zones and speck-like crustaceans on polyps. Inspect with a white-light flashlight at night and use a dark dip container to spot flatworms. Quarantine, rotate dips (e.g., iodine + separate AEFW-specific treatments), and consider adding a Trapezia crab for cleaning assistance.

My colony has dented tissue on the flow-facing side. Is this disease or flow-related?

Often flow-related. Prolonged laminar jets can bruise tissue on smooth branches, mimicking necrosis. Switch to wider, alternating pulses that create random turbulence rather than a single stream. Reposition pumps to intersect flows, reduce direct blasting, and keep polyp motion lively but not pinned. Within days, polyp extension typically improves and dents stop progressing.

TSA Exquisita Acropora Coral

Acropora SPS

Overview

Exquisita Acropora Coral shows thin, upright branches with tight tips and fine corallites. Acropora exquisita is a small-polyp stony branching coral that prefers strong light and high, random flow. It is photosynthetic with symbiotic algae; occasional small particulate foods can support growth and help maintain color. Place high on stable rockwork with ample spacing, and keep away from aggressive stingers to avoid tissue damage.

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 8–9 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic (primary), microplankton, zooplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, reef-specific powdered coral foods (e.g., Reef-Roids), phytoplankton, amino acid supplements

Care & Placement

Exquisita Acropora Coral (Acropora exquisita) thrives with strong, stable conditions and high, blue-heavy light. Target 250–400 PAR and introduce light gradually using a screen method or by starting lower and moving up over 2–3 weeks. Provide strong, random flow (30–50x tank turnover) to keep polyps clean and prevent detritus buildup; use alternating pumps or a gyre pattern. Place high on the rockwork with room to grow upward and outward; keep 3–5 inches from neighbors to avoid shading and sting contact. Peaceful overall, but fast-growing branches can overtake slower corals. Feed sparingly 1–2x weekly with fine particulate foods (e.g., reef roids, rotifers) and occasional amino acids; maintain measurable nutrients to avoid pale tissue (nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.02–0.07 ppm).Aim for ultra-stable water: temperature 24–26°C/75–79°F, salinity 1.025–1.026, alkalinity 7.5–9 dKH (avoid swings), calcium 420–460 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, pH 8.0–8.4. Test alkalinity frequently when dialing in dosing; use automated dosing once consumption is known. Inspect and dip new frags; quarantine to prevent red bugs or Acropora-eating flatworms. Mount on solid rock with epoxy and allow encrustment before pushing light/flow higher. Signs to watch: bleaching (too much light or too little nutrients), tissue recession (alk swings, pests, sudden temp/salinity changes), browning (low light/high nutrients). Correct by stabilizing parameters, adjusting light/flow, and treating pests promptly.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TSA Exquisita Acropora Coral

Why does my Exquisita Acropora lose tissue at the base while tips keep growing?

Its corymbose growth quickly shades the interior, and smooth branches trap less flow there. Base recession is often shadowing and detritus, not disease. Prune dense tips to open light paths, add cross-lighting or slightly raise PAR from the sides, and increase random, turbulent flow. Periodically rotate the colony and blast detritus with a turkey baster to keep the base clean.
What drives the green body/blue-tip look, and how do I keep colors from washing out?

Spectrum and nutrients matter. Strong blue/violet (400–470 nm) favors blue tips; adequate overall PAR keeps the green base saturated. Keep balanced NO3/PO4; ultra-low nutrients with high light can pastel the colony, while excess nutrients brown it. Stable alkalinity avoids tip burn that saps color. Potassium and iodine at natural seawater levels support blues; test before dosing.
Are there pests that target Exquisita more, and how can I spot them early?

Acropora-eating flatworms and red bugs are common threats. On A. exquisita, look for pale semicircle bite marks around smooth axial zones and speck-like crustaceans on polyps. Inspect with a white-light flashlight at night and use a dark dip container to spot flatworms. Quarantine, rotate dips (e.g., iodine + separate AEFW-specific treatments), and consider adding a Trapezia crab for cleaning assistance.
My colony has dented tissue on the flow-facing side. Is this disease or flow-related?

Often flow-related. Prolonged laminar jets can bruise tissue on smooth branches, mimicking necrosis. Switch to wider, alternating pulses that create random turbulence rather than a single stream. Reposition pumps to intersect flows, reduce direct blasting, and keep polyp motion lively but not pinned. Within days, polyp extension typically improves and dents stop progressing.