Acropora austera

• Indo-Pacific
• High Care Level
• For Advanced Hobbyists
• High Placement in Reef Tank

Acropora austera is a highly regarded species of stony coral from the Indo-Pacific region, known for its beautiful, branching structure and vibrant colors. This species can display various hues such as bright greens, blues, and purple tips, with its growth habit forming intricate, thin branches that add a unique aesthetic to a reef tank. Due to its fast growth and delicate nature, Acropora austera requires precise care and stable environmental conditions, making it most suitable for advanced hobbyists who can meet its demanding needs.

Placement in the Tank

Acropora austera thrives under strong lighting, with an ideal light intensity around 250-350 PAR. It should be positioned in the upper regions of the tank to receive the intense light it needs, simulating the conditions of its natural habitat in shallow reef environments. It also requires strong water flow to facilitate nutrient uptake and maintain the cleanliness of the coral's surface. High water movement will help to ensure proper respiration and removal of waste.

Water Parameters

Maintaining stable and precise water conditions is crucial for the health of Acropora austera. The recommended parameters are:

• Temperature: 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F), with a stable temperature of 26°C (79°F) being ideal.
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity (SG), with 1.024 being optimal.
• pH: 8.0 to 8.4, with an ideal pH of 8.2.
• Alkalinity (dKH): 8-12 dKH, with 9-10 dKH being ideal for healthy growth.
• Calcium: 400-450 ppm to support robust skeletal formation.
• Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm.
• Nitrate: Less than 5 ppm, as high nitrate levels can negatively affect the coral.
• Phosphate: Below 0.03 ppm to prevent excessive algae growth that competes for nutrients.

Feeding

While Acropora austera relies heavily on its zooxanthellae algae for energy via photosynthesis, it can benefit from supplemental feeding in the form of zooplankton, phytoplankton, or fine particulate foods. Providing liquid coral foods or feeding it small amounts of zooplankton once or twice a week will help promote growth, but it is important to avoid overfeeding, as this could cause water quality issues.

Maintenance and Care

To ensure that Acropora austera thrives, regular maintenance and monitoring are essential:

• Water Changes: Perform regular water changes (10-15% weekly) to maintain water quality and remove harmful substances.
• Water Parameter Monitoring: Regularly check temperature, pH, alkalinity, calcium, and phosphate levels to ensure stable and optimal conditions.
• Pruning: Pruning is generally not required, but if the coral becomes too large or begins to encroach on other corals, it may need to be fragged.
• Pest Control: Watch out for pests such as flatworms, red bugs, and Aiptasia that can damage the coral. Immediate action should be taken if any pests are spotted.

Compatibility

Acropora austera is a peaceful coral but can be slightly aggressive due to its long stinging sweeper tentacles. It is best to place it away from other SPS corals that may be negatively affected by its aggression. It thrives when housed with other non-aggressive SPS species, but adequate space is essential to prevent overcrowding. It does not do well near soft corals or LPS species, as these may compete for space and nutrients.

Conclusion

Acropora austera is a stunning and fast-growing coral species, perfect for creating a dynamic and colorful reef tank. With its delicate, branching structure and vibrant colors, it makes a beautiful centerpiece. However, its high care level and specific requirements make it best suited for advanced hobbyists. If you can provide stable, optimal water conditions and ensure that it gets enough light and water movement, this coral will thrive and become a stunning part of your reef aquarium.