How can I tell Acropora spathulata from similar species like A. millepora?

Look for thick, spatula-like branch tips with a smooth coenosteum and prominent axial corallites. Polyps are shorter and less “hairy” than millepora. Growth tends toward corymbose/table forms with wide, flattened branch ends. Under strong, turbulent flow, branches broaden rather than becoming fuzzy. A macro photo at night with polyps extended helps confirm the smooth tissue and paddle-like tips typical of spathulata.

Why is my Sunset Mirage Spathulata fading from pink/red to beige?

Color shifts usually follow light spectrum and nutrient imbalance. Aim for PAR ~300–450 with strong blue/near-UV (400–470 nm), gradual acclimation, and chaotic flow. Keep nutrients non-zero (NO3 2–10 ppm, PO4 0.02–0.08) to avoid washed-out tones. Avoid rapid alkalinity changes and excessive white light. Trace elements (especially iron and iodine) at natural levels support pigment expression; test before dosing.

What’s the most common trigger for RTN/STN in this species, and how do I prevent it?

Sudden parameter swings, especially alkalinity and temperature, are typical triggers. Keep alk stable (7.5–8.5 dKH, <0.3 dKH/day change), temperature 24–26°C, and maintain high dissolved oxygen via strong, cross-flow. Mount the base off the rock to limit detritus and bacterial hotspots. After handling or fragging, use iodine-based dips and increase flow to the healing edges to reduce tissue recession.

Any placement tips to avoid self-shadowing as the colony plates out?

Position high with multi-directional, pulsed flow to keep the interior oxygenated. Provide clearance around the rim so it can expand without shading neighbors. A slight tilt or raised mount improves light to lower tiers. Multi-source or diffused lighting reduces harsh shadows. Periodically rotate the frag or use strategic pruning to reopen light lanes under the table.

TSA Sunset Mirage Spathulata Acropora Coral

Q: Any placement tips to avoid self-shadowing as the colony plates out?

Position high with multi-directional, pulsed flow to keep the interior oxygenated. Provide clearance around the rim so it can expand without shading neighbors. A slight tilt or raised mount improves light to lower tiers. Multi-source or diffused lighting reduces harsh shadows. Periodically rotate the frag or use strategic pruning to reopen light lanes under the table.

Acropora SPS

Overview

Sunset Mirage Spathulata Acropora Coral shows thick, flattened branch tips with contrasting polyp colors. Acropora spathulata is a branching stony coral that prefers strong light and high, turbulent water flow. It is mainly photosynthetic through symbiotic algae, but occasional small-particle foods can support growth and color. Place high on stable rockwork and leave space from stinging neighbors to prevent tissue damage.

Quick Facts

Care Difficult

Lighting High

Flow High, turbulent

Placement High

Temperament Peaceful (2–3 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 420–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 7.5–9 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic, microplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, oyster eggs, coral-specific micro foods, amino acids

Care & Placement

Sunset Mirage Spathulata Acropora Coral (Acropora spathulata) thrives with high, stable conditions and strong, variable water movement. Target 250–400 PAR under full-spectrum LEDs or metal halides; acclimate to light by starting lower and increasing over 2–3 weeks or using window screen layers. Provide strong, turbulent flow (gyres or alternating pumps) to keep polyps clean and prevent detritus buildup; avoid direct, constant jets that can damage tissue. Maintain temperature 24–26°C (75–79°F), pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.025–1.026 (35 ppt), calcium 420–460 ppm, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH (stable), magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, and phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm. Test with reliable kits, log results, and use dosing or a calcium reactor to keep levels steady. Feed sparingly 1–3 times weekly with fine particulate foods and amino acids; target feed with pumps off for a few minutes, then resume flow.Place high or upper-mid in the tank with 3–4 inches of space to prevent shading and warfare; avoid contact with aggressive LPS and watch for overgrowth toward neighbors. Temperament is assertive for SPS; keep with other Acropora and peaceful tankmates. Dip new pieces for pests (AEFW, red bugs), drip acclimate 30–45 minutes, and mount securely with epoxy to prevent falls. If paling or bleaching occurs, reduce light intensity and check nutrients; if tissue recession starts, check for pests and correct alkalinity swings and flow dead spots. Maintain clean, stable conditions and the coral will encrust and branch with vivid coloration.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TSA Sunset Mirage Spathulata Acropora Coral

How can I tell Acropora spathulata from similar species like A. millepora?

Look for thick, spatula-like branch tips with a smooth coenosteum and prominent axial corallites. Polyps are shorter and less “hairy” than millepora. Growth tends toward corymbose/table forms with wide, flattened branch ends. Under strong, turbulent flow, branches broaden rather than becoming fuzzy. A macro photo at night with polyps extended helps confirm the smooth tissue and paddle-like tips typical of spathulata.
Why is my Sunset Mirage Spathulata fading from pink/red to beige?

Color shifts usually follow light spectrum and nutrient imbalance. Aim for PAR ~300–450 with strong blue/near-UV (400–470 nm), gradual acclimation, and chaotic flow. Keep nutrients non-zero (NO3 2–10 ppm, PO4 0.02–0.08) to avoid washed-out tones. Avoid rapid alkalinity changes and excessive white light. Trace elements (especially iron and iodine) at natural levels support pigment expression; test before dosing.
What’s the most common trigger for RTN/STN in this species, and how do I prevent it?

Sudden parameter swings, especially alkalinity and temperature, are typical triggers. Keep alk stable (7.5–8.5 dKH, <0.3 dKH/day change), temperature 24–26°C, and maintain high dissolved oxygen via strong, cross-flow. Mount the base off the rock to limit detritus and bacterial hotspots. After handling or fragging, use iodine-based dips and increase flow to the healing edges to reduce tissue recession.
Any placement tips to avoid self-shadowing as the colony plates out?

Position high with multi-directional, pulsed flow to keep the interior oxygenated. Provide clearance around the rim so it can expand without shading neighbors. A slight tilt or raised mount improves light to lower tiers. Multi-source or diffused lighting reduces harsh shadows. Periodically rotate the frag or use strategic pruning to reopen light lanes under the table.