We decided to change things up for this new Spotlight by featuring a care guide for Acanthastrea lordhowensis, especially the Australian kind.
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Acans have recently become a hot commodity for reefkeepers do in part to the introduction of the Australian Acanthastrea. The genus Acanthastrea (Mussidae family) contains several different species which are all part of the generic LPS (large polyp stony) coral category. At times it can be difficult to correctly identify the species type with just a visual inspection.
Enough of my hot air, let's talk Acans! I don't have any of these beauties so input from you guys will be needed. If this spotlight draws enough interest we may do a few more spotlights outside the Zoanthid domain.
Acanthastrea lordhowensis
Lighting:
- Australian Acans do best under med/high-high light situations. These are shallow reef corals so their tolerance to light will vary. Keep in mind that acclimation may be necessary when initially introducing corals to your tank.
Flow:
- Australian Acans do best under medium flow. Medium flow is considered flow that will not disturb the coral or cause the flesh to peel off.
Feeding:
- Acans will feed on most meaty foods when given the chance. Target feeding (with powerheads off) is the best way to feed these corals as their tentacles may not be out during feeding time. When the lights are on Acans may extend feeding tentacles when they sense food present in the water column. When the lights are off the tentacles are extended and ready for feeding.
Origins:
- Acanthastrea lordhowensis
*Photo from whelk.aims.gov.au
http://whelk.aims.gov.au/coralsearch/html/001-100/Species pages/4.htm
Growth Rate:
- Growth rate increases when feeding/light/flow requirements are met. If you allow this coral to be exclusively photosynthetic then growth will be slower.
Rarity:
-
ID Confusions:
-
Other info:
-
For additional photos and drooling, check out this Club-LPS thread started by another Aussie Collector:
Aussie lords thread
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Feel free to comment on past Club-Zoa Spotlights:
Club-Zoa Zoanthid/Paly spotlights:
Variable Star
Pyro’s Envy
PPRPE
Pink Elephants
Ruby Red
Red People Eater
Mean Green
Eagle Eyes
Purple People Eaters
Armageddon
Purple Death
Armor of Gods
Nuclear Green
Club-Zoa Care Spotlights:
Shipping Methods Revisited
Shipping Methods
Zoa Dip
Zoanthid Anatomy
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Acans have recently become a hot commodity for reefkeepers do in part to the introduction of the Australian Acanthastrea. The genus Acanthastrea (Mussidae family) contains several different species which are all part of the generic LPS (large polyp stony) coral category. At times it can be difficult to correctly identify the species type with just a visual inspection.
Enough of my hot air, let's talk Acans! I don't have any of these beauties so input from you guys will be needed. If this spotlight draws enough interest we may do a few more spotlights outside the Zoanthid domain.
Acanthastrea lordhowensis
Lighting:
- Australian Acans do best under med/high-high light situations. These are shallow reef corals so their tolerance to light will vary. Keep in mind that acclimation may be necessary when initially introducing corals to your tank.
Flow:
- Australian Acans do best under medium flow. Medium flow is considered flow that will not disturb the coral or cause the flesh to peel off.
Feeding:
- Acans will feed on most meaty foods when given the chance. Target feeding (with powerheads off) is the best way to feed these corals as their tentacles may not be out during feeding time. When the lights are on Acans may extend feeding tentacles when they sense food present in the water column. When the lights are off the tentacles are extended and ready for feeding.
Origins:
- Acanthastrea lordhowensis
*Photo from whelk.aims.gov.au
http://whelk.aims.gov.au/coralsearch/html/001-100/Species pages/4.htm
Growth Rate:
- Growth rate increases when feeding/light/flow requirements are met. If you allow this coral to be exclusively photosynthetic then growth will be slower.
Rarity:
-
ID Confusions:
-
Other info:
-
For additional photos and drooling, check out this Club-LPS thread started by another Aussie Collector:
Aussie lords thread
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Feel free to comment on past Club-Zoa Spotlights:
Club-Zoa Zoanthid/Paly spotlights:
Variable Star
Pyro’s Envy
PPRPE
Pink Elephants
Ruby Red
Red People Eater
Mean Green
Eagle Eyes
Purple People Eaters
Armageddon
Purple Death
Armor of Gods
Nuclear Green
Club-Zoa Care Spotlights:
Shipping Methods Revisited
Shipping Methods
Zoa Dip
Zoanthid Anatomy
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