Description
The Acan Brain Coral wakes up tired reef aquariums with a jolt of exhilarating orange or red coloration. This color morph of the popular large polyp stony (LPS) coral demonstrates the exceptional range of vivid coloration displayed by Acanthastrea echinata. The Acan Brain Coral boasts coloration inspired by pop-culture featuring contrasting gradients of teal, orange, and sometimes red. Intense pops of caffeine-induced coloration transforms barren regions of your substrate and other lack-luster regions of the reef aquarium with visual excitement.
Acanthastrea generally have large corallites (8-15mm) with small teeth or lobes on their septa, as well as well-developed columellae. In the wild, they're found mostly in shallow water to about 20m, often in protected areas like lagoons, forming colonies up to several meters across.
In the reef aquarium, Acanthastrea are incredibly hardy and fast growing, tolerating a wide variety of conditions including both low and moderate lighting and moderate water currents. They make ideal candidates for fragging at home since they have very distinct corallites (less risk of collateral damage!), amazing adaptability to lighting conditions, and rapid growth rates. Though tolerant of a wide range of aquarium conditions, the undemanding Acan Brain Coral will thrive in established reef aquariums with stable conditions.
Be aware that Acanthastrea are voracious nocturnal predators and competitively extrude mesenterial filaments and digest organisms within reach. Great care must be taken in determining the placement and distance between Acan Brain Coral colonies. Target feed minced meaty foods and zooplankton for best growth and frag recovery time. The use of a quality protein skimmer helps maintain water quality and combat the effects of heavy feeding.
