TSA Strawberry Goniopora Coral

Introduction to Acanthastrea

Acanthastrea corals, commonly known as Acans, are a vibrant and popular type of Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral prized for their bold colors and unique polyp structure. These corals often showcase vivid hues, including reds, oranges, blues, and greens, frequently highlighted with striking patterns and contrasts. Their fleshy polyps give them a dynamic, textured look that stands out in any reef tank.

Acans are ideal for both beginner and experienced reefers due to their adaptability and moderate care requirements. They are forgiving of slight parameter fluctuations and thrive in a wide range of lighting and flow conditions, making them versatile for various tank setups. Whether you're looking to create a colorful focal point or fill in lower-light areas of your aquascape, Acans are a fantastic choice.

Natural Habitat and Origin

Acans are native to the Indo-Pacific region, including areas like Australia, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef. They are typically found in deeper reef zones or shaded areas of lagoons, where light intensity is lower and water flow is moderate. These conditions allow Acans to develop their iconic fleshy polyps and vibrant coloration.

In the wild, Acans thrive in nutrient-rich waters, often encrusting on rocky substrates or spreading across sandy patches. Their ability to adapt to varying conditions makes them a resilient coral species and a favorite for home aquariums.

Water Chemistry

Acanthastrea corals thrive in stable water conditions, with slightly elevated nutrient levels supporting their vibrant colors and healthy growth. Maintaining consistent parameters is essential to ensure their long-term success in your reef tank.

Ideal Parameters:

• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
• Nitrates: 5–20 ppm
• Phosphates: <0.10 ppm
• Temperature: 76–80°F
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026

Acans are tolerant of slightly higher nutrient levels compared to some other LPS corals, making them suitable for a variety of tank setups. Regular water changes and parameter testing are key to keeping them healthy and maintaining their brilliant coloration.

Lighting

Acans thrive under low to moderate lighting conditions, making them ideal for placement in shaded or lower regions of the tank. A PAR range of 50–150 is suitable for these corals, with their colors often becoming more intense under slightly lower light levels. Excessive lighting can cause Acans to retract or lose their vibrant hues.

At Top Shelf Aquatics, we utilize advanced lighting systems like Ecotech Marine Radions, T5 setups, and metal halides to provide the optimal spectrum and intensity for Acans. These systems replicate the natural lighting conditions they experience in the wild, ensuring vibrant coloration and healthy growth.

When introducing Acans to your tank, start by placing them in a lower-light area and gradually adjust their position over 2–3 weeks to avoid stress. Blue-spectrum lighting is particularly effective for highlighting their vivid patterns and fluorescent tones.

Water Flow

Acanthastrea corals prefer moderate to gentle water flow, which allows them to expand their fleshy polyps fully while keeping their surfaces free of debris. Strong, direct currents can cause stress, leading to retraction or damage to their delicate tissues.

At Top Shelf Aquatics, we use advanced flow equipment such as Ecotech Marine MP pumps, Reef Octopus Octo Pulse systems, and Sicce pumps to create randomized flow patterns. This approach mimics the natural, varied conditions Acans encounter in the wild, supporting their growth and health.

When positioning Acans in your tank, aim for areas where the flow gently sweeps across their surface, delivering nutrients while preventing detritus buildup. Proper water movement helps them thrive and maintain their vibrant colors.

What We Feed

Acanthastrea corals rely on their symbiotic zooxanthellae for energy, but supplemental feeding significantly enhances their growth, coloration, and overall health. Regular feedings allow them to thrive and reach their full potential, especially in nutrient-controlled reef systems.

Recommended Foods:

• Tisochrysis
• Rhodomonas
• Tetraselmis
• Products like Reef Roids and Benepets
• Frozen mysis shrimp or finely chopped meaty foods

Feeding is best done by gently target-feeding each polyp using a syringe or pipette. Acans display their feeding tentacles most prominently during evening hours or when lights are dimmed, making this an ideal time to offer food. Pausing the water flow for 10–15 minutes ensures that the coral has sufficient time to capture and consume the food without interference from currents or tank inhabitants.

Coloration and Tank Maturity

Acanthastrea corals are known for their vibrant and dynamic coloration, often showcasing a stunning mix of reds, oranges, blues, greens, and yellows. These colors become even more vivid under blue-spectrum lighting, which highlights their fluorescent tones and intricate patterns.

While Acans can adapt to newer tanks, they show their best coloration and growth in mature systems with stable water parameters. Consistent lighting, nutrient levels, and water flow are key factors in maintaining their bold hues and overall health. Elevated but balanced nutrients often bring out their most intense colors, making them a standout in any reef display.

Common Challenges

While Acans are hardy and beginner-friendly, they can still face some challenges in reef tanks:

• Bleaching: Exposure to excessive light or sudden changes in lighting conditions can cause Acans to bleach, losing their vibrant colors. Gradual acclimation to lighting is crucial to avoid stress.
• Tissue Recession: Poor water quality or parameter instability can lead to tissue loss, where the coral’s flesh pulls back, exposing its skeleton. Regular water changes and maintaining stable conditions are key to preventing this issue.
• Aggression: Acans have powerful sweeper tentacles that can damage nearby corals. Ensure sufficient spacing between them and other species to avoid conflicts.
• Pest Interactions: Certain pests, like flatworms or nudibranchs, can irritate Acans. Regular inspections and coral dips help prevent infestations.

Acclimation Guide

Proper acclimation is essential to ensure Acanthastrea corals adjust smoothly to their new environment. Following these steps will minimize stress and set your coral up for success:

1. Temperature Acclimation: Float the sealed bag in your aquarium for 15–20 minutes to equalize the temperature. This prevents sudden temperature changes that could stress the coral.
2. Drip Acclimation: While not mandatory, drip acclimation can benefit Acans. Gradually mix tank water with the shipping water over 30–45 minutes to allow the coral to adjust to differences in salinity and water chemistry.
3. Lighting Acclimation: Begin by placing the coral in a shaded or lower-light area of your tank. Gradually increase its exposure to light over 2–3 weeks to avoid stress or bleaching.
4. Placement: Secure the coral to rockwork or a stable ledge using reef-safe glue or epoxy. Position it in an area with moderate water flow, ensuring debris is swept away while allowing the coral to expand fully.