Acropora

Fluorescence appearance

Coral fluorescent proteins are excited by blue/actinic light. Appearance differs greatly from under white light.

Names & Synonyms

• CommonAcropora
• Commonミドリイシ（アクロポラ）
• SynonymConocyathus
• SynonymDistichocyathus
• SynonymHeteropora

Overview

Acropora is the most species-rich genus of reef-building corals, with over 149 described species. Found throughout the Indo-Pacific shallows, Acropora forms the structural backbone of coral reefs in branching, table, and bushy growth forms. Its small polyps display vivid blues, greens, purples, and pinks. Successful husbandry requires high-intensity lighting (300+ PAR), strong turbulent flow, and stable reef chemistry—calcium 400–450 ppm, alkalinity 8–9 dKH, and magnesium 1280–1350 ppm. While sensitive to parameter swings and best suited to experienced reefkeepers, Acropora frags readily and remains the centerpiece species in high-end reef aquaria.

Care Specifications

Care Points

• Lighting—High output LED (300+ PAR recommended)
• Flow—Strong, turbulent flow
• Water Quality—KH 7-8, Ca 420-450, Mg 1350-1500 — stability is key
• Notes—RTN risk. Rapid water parameter changes must be avoided

Regulatory & Conservation

CITES:

Appendix II

Notes:

イシサンゴ目(Acropora, Acroporidae)=ミドリイシ。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)

Named Lineages in this genus

Trade names and morphs (Named Lineages) within this genus. Open a lineage page from its name.

• 
  グリーンスライマー（ミドリイシ）

  Green Slimer

  Community known
• 
  ストロベリーショートケーキ（ミドリイシ）

  Strawberry Shortcake

  Community known
• 
  トリカラーバリダ（ミドリイシ）

  Tricolor Valida

  Community known

Related corals of the same type

Blue Coralアオサンゴ（ヘリオポラ）spsIntermediateThe only octocoral with a solid blue skeleton. Taxonomically unique and hardy, but CITES Appendix II — handle with care.Astreoporaアストレオポラ（スターコーラル）SPSBeginnerA massive SPS in the Acropora family. Named for star-shaped scattered corallites; a hardy entry-level SPS.AnacroporaアナクロポラSPSIntermediateA branching SPS related to Acropora but lacking axial corallites, forming slender delicate branches with pastel coloration.IsoporaイソポラSPSIntermediateA branching-to-encrusting SPS formerly placed in Acropora. Bearing multiple axial corallites, it is hardier and easier than Acropora.CoscinaraeaコスキナラエアSPSBeginnerA hardy coral related to Psammocora with a rough texture. Encrusting, with wide tolerance of light and flow.Hydnophora (Horn Coral)コモンサンゴspsIntermediateCoral with dense small bumps (hydnophores) on surface. Between LPS and SPS in care. Fast-growing with beautiful fluorescent green. Aggressive — careful placement needed.

Related care articles

SPS Corals2026-08-25

SPS Coral Infections and Disease Prevention | Distinguishing White Spot Disease, Planula Settlement Disease, and Mixed Infections

When SPS corals contract infections, multiple warning signals appear. The initial sign is fading color and loss of translucency, where healthy specimens lose their transparency and vibrant coloration. White Spot Disease produces numerous microscopic white lesions on the coral's surface, and as the condition progresses, it spreads across the entire body. This is a typical symptom of parasitic or bacterial infection. Another form of infection, Planula Settlement Disease, occurs immediately after larval settlement and causes newly settled small colonies to necrose rapidly.

SPS Corals2026-08-24

SPS Corals Other than Acropora | Cultivation Characteristics of Pocillopora, Seriatopora, and Stylophora

While SPS corals are often exemplified by Acropora (staghorn coral), there are many other species with different growth patterns such as branching and massive forms, including Pocillopora and Seriatopora. This article introduces the characteristics and cultivation considerations for each.

SPS Corals2026-08-09

Montipora Morphological Classification and Rearing Environment | Understanding the Differences from Acropora

As a representative SPS species, Montipora exhibits diverse growth forms that differ from Acropora, another SPS type. This article explains the characteristics of each form—digitate, plate, and encrusting—and how to optimize light, water flow, and nutrient environments for each.

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External Databases

• WoRMS