About Acanthastrea Coral
Acanthastrea specimens have captivated aquarists for decades, thanks to their spectacular colors and complex patterns. The Acanthastrea is a genus of Large Polyp Stony (LPS) corals belonging to the family Lobophylliidae, commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, especially around Australia and Indonesia. These colonial corals are characterized by their large, fleshy polyps and distinctive skeletal structure with prominent septa (skeletal plates).
As part of our professional care and research into this fascinating species, the Sanctuary Aquatics team works to fragment and grow as many of these vividly-colored LPS corals as we can manage for our customers.
The photographs on each product page will show the specific Acan coral specimen you will receive (What You See Is What You Get).
Acan Coral Care
Follow our Acan coral care suggestions below to help maintain the best possible results for your coral colonies:
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific Gravity: 1.023-1.025
Lighting:
- Intensity: Moderate to high
- Placement: Middle to lower areas of the tank
The team at Sanctuary Aquatics have documented impressive color changes in Acanthastrea specimens as they mature. Our observations suggest that Acans display their most intense colors under T5 fluorescent lighting rather than LED systems. When fully grown, you can expect your Acan coral to reach a diameter of around 0.5-1.5”.
Water Flow:
Tank Placement:
- Substrate or lower rockwork, away from aggressive corals
Feeding:
- Primarily photosynthetic; supplement with micro-plankton or coral food occasionally
Like most LPS corals, Acans will flourish with consistent feeding schedules. Once they've settled into their environment, these corals extend their feeding tentacles for extended periods throughout the day.
Our Acan Coral Varieties
While recent taxonomic changes have moved some species—such as Acanthastrea lordhowensis (from where the name Acan Lord comes from) to Micromussa and Acanthastrea Bowerbanki to Homophyllia—reef hobbyists continue to use the familiar Acanthastrea name for these essential additions to marine aquariums.
Browse our wide range of Acanthastrea coral varieties. Ranging from rainbow, to red and orange, to brilliant pink, to cooler tones of blue, purple, blue-green, and green, we have a diverse range of shades to upgrade the colors in your reef tank! Our varieties include brilliant orange or reddish-orange corals like the Orange Observers, Wheels of Desire, Sizzle, Lava Lamp, and Crown of Roses. We also have corals with primarily blue or purple colors, such as our Flowers in the Sky mini colony, Islands in Sea Foam, Ion Cannon, and the Razzle mini colony.
Thanks to their vivid coloration and easy care, the Acan is an ever-popular coral for reef enthusiasts of all skill levels! At Sanctuary Aquatics, we have a wide range of Acanthastrea to choose from and sell the coral as an individual or as a colony.
Shop Acan Coral with Sanctuary Aquatics
At Sanctuary Aquatics, our coral care knowledge comes from both scientific marine research and many years of hands-on experience. We've built special tank systems that create the perfect conditions for our large collection of Acanthastrea corals, helping them grow healthy and produce their brightest colors.
Our team combines solid scientific knowledge with real aquarium experience to help you succeed with your Acan corals! Whether you're an experienced reef keeper or just getting started, we provide the help and resources you need to create a thriving coral tank. Our well-designed systems and complete understanding of coral care make us the perfect partner for building and maintaining your dream reef tank for many years to come.
Contact our team today to see our Acanthastrea coral selection and get personalized advice for your saltwater aquarium needs. Check out our full saltwater coral collection here.
