Description

Acan Echinata Multicolored

Approximately 6-8cm frag

Acan Echinata, also known as Acanthastrea echinata, is a popular species of LPS (Large Polyp Stony) coral among reef aquarium enthusiasts. It is prized for its vivid colors, often appearing in shades of orange, red, green, blue, and purple, sometimes with striking contrasting patterns.

🧬 Description:

• Scientific Name: Acanthastrea echinata

• Common Name: Acan Echinata, Echinata Coral

• Family: Lobophylliidae (formerly in Mussidae)

• Type: LPS coral

• Polyp Structure: Thick, fleshy polyps with a hard calcareous skeleton beneath

• Growth Form: Encrusting or mound-like; can form colonies over time

• Coloration: Wide variety due to pigmentation and lighting influences

🌊 Care Requirements:

🧪 Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)

• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 specific gravity

• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

• Calcium: 400–450 ppm

• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

• Nitrates: <10 ppm

• Phosphates: <0.03 ppm

🍤 Feeding Tips:

• Although photosynthetic, Acan Echinata thrives with supplemental feeding 2–3 times per week.

• Offer meaty foods such as:

  • Mysis shrimp

  • Brine shrimp

  • Reef roids or other coral-specific blends

• Target feeding at night or when feeder tentacles are extended enhances intake.

⚠️ Special Considerations:

• Aggression: They have powerful sweeper tentacles and can damage neighboring corals, so allow at least a few inches of space.

• Coloration: Colors may change based on lighting and water conditions—LEDs with blue spectrums often enhance fluorescence.

• Growth: Can encrust over rock or frag plugs and will expand in favorable conditions.