Acan Lord
Micromussa lordhowensis(Veron & Pichon, 1982)Species
An LPS coral with vivid multicolor patterns beautiful as jewels. Premium species popular among collectors.
Fluorescence appearance
Coral fluorescent proteins are excited by blue/actinic light. Appearance differs greatly from under white light.
Names & Synonyms
- CommonAcan Lord
- Commonアカンロード
- SynonymAcanthastrea lordhowensis
Overview
Micromussa lordhowensis (formerly Acanthastrea lordhowensis; family Lobophylliidae), the acan lord, originates from reefs around Lord Howe Island, Australia, and is celebrated as one of the most intensely colored corals in the reef hobby. Dense clusters of large polyps (2–4 cm diameter) display neon combinations of red, green, orange, blue, and purple in striking geometric patterns. Remarkably, these vivid colors are maintained even under low to moderate lighting (50–150 PAR), removing the high-intensity requirement typical of many prized LPS. Gentle indirect flow and standard parameters (24–27°C, KH 8–10, Ca 400–420 ppm) complete the care profile. Weekly target feeding with brine shrimp or small pellets noticeably accelerates growth and color intensity. Sweeper tentacles require adequate spacing from neighbors. Fragging by skeletal division is straightforward. While rare color morphs command premium prices, more accessible variants make Micromussa lordhowensis attainable for hobbyists at all levels.
Care Specifications
| Type | LPS |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24〜27℃ |
| Specific gravity | 1.023〜1.025 |
| Salinity | 33〜35 ppt |
| KH (carbonate hardness) | 8〜12 dKH |
| Calcium (Ca) | 400〜450 mg/L |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 1280〜1350 mg/L |
| Lighting | Medium |
| Water flow | Low |
| Placement | Bottom |
Care Points
- Lighting—Low to medium light
- Flow—Low flow
- Feeding—Feed when polyps inflate at night
- Notes—Rare colors trade at very high prices
Regulatory & Conservation
- CITES:
- Appendix II
- Notes:
- イシサンゴ目(Micromussa lordhowensis, Lobophylliidae)。CITES 附属書II=造礁性ハードコーラル全種。日本の特定動物・特定外来生物には非該当(無脊椎動物)。
Sources
- AlgaeBarn: SPS/LPS care (PAR/flow)(careSpec)
- AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101(careSpec)
- DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals (Scleractinia spp. = App. II)(regulatory)
- Wikipedia(detail)
Related corals of the same type
AcanthastreaアカンサストレアlpsBeginnerAn LPS coral with metallic colors in large polyps. Australian specimens are popular as premium pieces.
Acan CoralアカンソフィリアlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with rich colorful variations. Highly popular among collectors with many high-value specimens.
Acanthophyllia (Meat Coral)アカントフィリアlpsIntermediateLPS coral with single massive polyp. Vivid red, green, blue colors earn it the 'Meat Coral' nickname. Impressive when fleshy tissue inflates fully.
AlveoporaアルベオポラlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with long tentacles similar to Goniopora. Hardier and easier to keep than Goniopora.
War CoralウォーコーラルlpsBeginnerAn LPS coral with distinctive rugged appearance. Also called Favia, beautiful with fluorescent colors.
Echinopora CoralエキノポラlpsIntermediatePlating to encrusting coral between LPS and SPS. Beautiful fluorescent greens and oranges. Relatively hardy with moderate growth. Good base for aquascaping.Related care articles
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