Acropora millepora Acropora gemmifera
Captive care Eric Borneman: Highly adaptable, Acropora can exist in turbid lagoons, wave-pounded reef crests, and calm reef flats. Many species are regularly out of water at low tide, relying on their UV-absorbing substances and heavy mucus coat to survive until the water levels rise again. They tolerate huge differences in light intensity, water movement, and even salinity, as shallow, protected reefs become exposed to tremendous downfalls and land-based rainwater runoff. The amount of research and description on the Acropora genus alone could fill a small library, and their forms intrigue both underwater observers and aquarium hobbyists alike.
Given the recent evolutionary success of these corals in demanding reef conditions, it would be expected that one could virtually ship them in an envelope across continents, place the corals in a pitcher of saltwater, and have them grow. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, they are very demanding in captivity. By the same token, they are consistently found in dozens of studies to be some of the most sensitive species in tolerating temperature change, sedimentation, and other chemical and environmental stresses that are outside their normal conditions. However, once a certain critical acclimation period has been passed, and if stable conditions are present, Acropora will thrive!
When selecting wild Acropora, the presence of axial corallites should be noted. This will signify that the coral is or was from a rapidly growing area of the colony and has not been removed from an interior area of the colony where growth rates were limited. Broown tips, where the axial corallite has become indistinguishable from the radial corallites, do not grow as well in terms of branch extension, though infilling and radial growth may still occur. A new axial corallite can develop under favorable conditions, but as a metabolic cost to the coral that may not be feasible with newly placed specimens, many such examples fail to thrive in their new environment.
In general, Acropora species with thick branches are reported to be more difficult to keep than those with thin branches, probably due to an inability of the captive environment to provide enough water flow. Furthermore, many thick-branched species seem more prone, initally, to problems. Brown specimens, bottlebrush types, and thin-branched types seem to be somewhat more "tolerant" as they are typically from lower water flow and light conditions. Tabletop-type Acropora species are among the most difficult to keep, with the traditional staghorn varities somewhere in between.
Captive-bred specimens are generally healthier and much easier to care for than wild-caught colonies. Nonetheless, all Acropora seem to prefer a strong, random, mixing-type current for maximum health and growth, high levels of calcium and (anecdotally) strontium, and intense lighting. Very few species, except perhaps captive-bred colonies, will tolerate moderate lighting and water flow. Water parameters should also be excellent. It is not advisable to keep Acropora in new tanks, as the stability of a mature tank offers a much higher chance of success.
Acropora suffer from many maladies, including certain predatory animals they harbor within their branches. Others harbor commensal crabs and shrimp, which are symbiotic in offering protection to the coral from predation. Quite a number of fishes and other animals prey exclusively on acroporid tissue. Acropora need careful acclimation so that they are not shocked by light or water-parameter changes, yet they must be placed in their final position quickly enough to avoid stress or unfulfilled metabolic needs. Such stresses include low light and water current, as well as movement from position to position. Acropora do not tolerate any sudden changes in tank conditions, and they may bleach, die, recede, or rapidly waste away if stability is not maintained.
All right that`s it this week!
Lets see your ACRO PICS PEOPLE!!!!
Edited by Kyle - June 04 2006 at 1:40am
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