Acanthophyllia Coral Care Info

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

Acanthophyllia is native to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Great Barrier Reef. It is commonly found in deep lagoonal areas and reef slopes, where it settles on sandy or rubble substrates. These areas provide low to moderate light and gentle water flow, which are ideal conditions for its growth and survival.

Why Choose Acanthophyllia for Your Reef Tank?

• Stunning Aesthetic Appeal – Comes in rare and vibrant color morphs.
• Solitary Growth – Requires no fragging or propagation.
• Hardy and Beginner-Friendly – Can tolerate minor fluctuations in water conditions.
• Slow Growth Rate – Won’t outcompete other corals for space.

Optimal Water Parameters

Stable water conditions are essential for Acanthophyllia’s health:

Weekly water changes (10-15%) help maintain nutrient balance and water quality.

Tank Size and Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons or larger to accommodate its full expansion.
• Placement: Best positioned on soft, sandy substrates in the lower portion of the tank.
• Avoid Sharp Rockwork: Its fleshy tissue is delicate and can be damaged by rough surfaces.

Lighting Requirements

Acanthophyllia thrives under low to moderate lighting conditions.

• PAR Range: 50-120 PAR
• Lighting Schedule: 8-10 hours of daylight, with gradual transitions to reduce stress.

Excessive lighting can cause bleaching, so it’s best to place it in shaded areas of the tank.

Water Flow and Circulation

• Low to moderate water flow is ideal, preventing debris accumulation while avoiding tissue damage.
• Avoid direct high flow, which can cause the coral’s flesh to retract or tear.
• Randomized or indirect flow patterns help mimic its natural habitat.

Feeding and Nutrition

Acanthophyllia relies on both photosynthesis and direct feeding for sustenance.

• Preferred Foods: Mysis shrimp, krill, small pieces of fish, reef roids, and amino acids.
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times per week enhances growth and color vibrancy.
• Best Feeding Time: At night or after lights dim, when the coral extends its feeding tentacles.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

• Safe Companions: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, snails, shrimp, and peaceful fish.
• Caution With: Some corals—Acanthophyllia has weak aggression but requires ample space to expand.
• Avoid: Fish that may nip at or irritate its fleshy tissue, such as angelfish and butterflyfish.

Growth Rate and Propagation

• Slow growth rate, often taking years to reach full size.
• Cannot be fragged due to its solitary structure.

Common Diseases and How to Prevent Them

• Brown Jelly Disease – A bacterial infection requiring iodine dips and improved water quality.
• Tissue Recession – Often caused by unstable water parameters or physical damage.
• Algae Overgrowth – Can suffocate the coral if excess nutrients encourage unwanted growth.

Handling and Acclimation

• Drip acclimation is best to gradually introduce the coral to its new environment.
• Minimize handling, as its delicate tissue is easily damaged.

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Perform weekly water changes (10-15%) to maintain stability.
• Remove detritus buildup from around the coral to prevent bacterial growth.

Signs of Stress and How to Address Them

• Shrunken or retracted polyps – May indicate poor water quality or excessive flow.
• Faded or bleached coloration – Reduce light intensity and increase feeding frequency.
• Receding tissue – Ensure stable water conditions and no nearby aggressive corals.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Bleaching – Usually caused by excessive light exposure; relocate to a shaded area.
• Pest Infestation – Inspect regularly for flatworms, nudibranchs, or parasitic snails.
• Slow Growth – Increase target feeding and ensure stable alkalinity and calcium levels.