Acropora

Acropora sp.

Animalia›Cnidaria›Anthozoa›Acroporidae

📍 Indo-Pacific Reef Systems

Acropora is the largest and most diverse genus of stony corals on earth, encompassing hundreds of species forming branching, table, and bushy morphologies in nearly every colour imaginable. They are the primary reef-building corals and are the benchmark for advanced reef aquariums — demanding pristine, stable water chemistry, very high light, moderate to high flow, and expert-level nutrient management. In well-maintained SPS tanks they reward with breathtaking growth and colouration.

Size2"

Min Tank75g

peaceful

Zoneall

Tank Mates

Ocellaris Clownfish

Small, reef-safe fish that do not nip corals; may even provide mild aeration benefits around polyps

excellent

Cleaner Shrimp

Reef-safe invertebrate that removes parasites and detritus without damaging coral tissue

excellent

Pistol Shrimp

Reef-safe and beneficial; may occasionally disturb substrate near coral base but does not harm polyps

good

Neon Goby

Small, peaceful fish that feeds on parasites and algae; completely safe for SPS corals

excellent

Lawnmower Blenny

Herbivorous and reef-safe; helps control nuisance algae that can smother Acropora

good

Common Diseases

Rapid Tissue Necrosis (RTN)

Symptoms

Sudden tissue recession starting from base or branch tips, often progressing within hours to days; skeleton becomes exposed

Treatment

Immediate action required: isolate affected coral, perform large water change, check and correct water parameters (especially calcium, alkalinity, pH), improve flow, and consider antibiotic dips if available. Prevention through stable parameters is critical.

Brown Jelly Disease (BJD)

Symptoms

Brown, slimy mucus coating coral tissue; tissue recession beneath the jelly layer; foul odor may be present

Treatment

Remove affected coral to quarantine, perform careful manual removal of jelly with siphon or turkey baster, treat with antibiotic dips (such as Furan-2), and maintain pristine water quality. Improve flow and reduce nutrient levels.

Coral Bleaching

Symptoms

Loss of color and pigmentation; coral appears white or pale; polyps may remain extended but tissue appears translucent

Treatment

Reduce light intensity temporarily, check and stabilize water temperature (avoid fluctuations), verify calcium and alkalinity levels, improve water flow, and reduce nutrient levels. Gradually restore lighting over 2-3 weeks as coral recovers.

Algae Overgrowth / Turf Algae

Symptoms

Filamentous or turf algae coating coral surface; polyps unable to extend; tissue recession beneath algae mat

Treatment

Manual removal of algae, improve water flow around affected areas, reduce nutrient levels (especially phosphate and nitrate), add herbivorous fish or invertebrates (Lawnmower Blenny, Astrea Snails), and consider UV sterilization or algae scrubbing.

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Quick Facts

diet: Photosynthetic (zooxanthellae); may benefit from amino acid and coral food supplementation
flow: High, random turbulent flow
lifespan: Decades in stable reef
lighting: Very high (200–400 PAR)
placement: Upper rockwork; open to light and flow
tank size: 75 gallons minimum SPS reef
temperament: Can overgrow neighbouring corals; space accordingly