Acanthastrea

Names & Synonyms

• CommonAcanthastrea
• Commonアカンサストレア

Overview

Acanthastrea (family Lobophylliidae) is a genus of large-polyp stony corals found on Indo-Pacific reef slopes, forming encrusting to hemispherical colonies of tightly packed polyps 1–3 cm in diameter. Color morphs span virtually the entire visible spectrum—green, red, orange, blue, and purple—with the most intensely patterned specimens achieving premium collector prices. Care requirements are modest: low to moderate lighting (50–150 PAR) and gentle indirect flow allow placement in a variety of reef zones. Stable parameters (24–27°C, KH 8–10, Ca 400–420 ppm) are standard. Sweeper tentacles present a minor aggression risk, so neighboring corals should be kept at a safe distance. Weekly target feeding noticeably improves polyp fullness and color intensity. Fragging by cutting through the skeleton is reliable and frags recover quickly. Acanthastrea's combination of brilliant color, low light tolerance, and ease of care makes it one of the most popular LPS in the reef hobby.

Care Specifications

Care Points

• Lighting—Grows in low to medium light
• Flow—Low flow is suitable
• Feeding—Extends tentacles at night to actively feed
• Notes—Hardy and recommended for LPS beginners

Regulatory & Conservation

CITES:

Appendix II

Notes:

イシサンゴ目(Acanthastrea, Lobophylliidae)。CITES 附属書II。

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

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.Acan LordアカンロードlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with vivid multicolor patterns beautiful as jewels. Premium species popular among collectors.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.

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