Acanthastrea and Blastomussa Care Guide | How to Raise Vibrant LPS Corals | ブリちょく
Coral| ✍️ BreederDirect Editorial
Acanthastrea and Blastomussa Care Guide | How to Raise Vibrant LPS Corals
Learn how to care for the colorful LPS corals "Acanthastrea (Akan)" and "Blastomussa." This guide covers key points for lighting, water flow, feeding, and water quality management, and explains in detail why these corals are beginner-friendly.
Key Takeaways
Learn how to care for the colorful LPS corals "Acanthastrea (Akan)" and "Blastomussa." This guide covers key points for lighting, water flow, feeding, and water quality management, and explains in detail why these corals are beginner-friendly.
About Acanthastrea and Blastomussa
Acanthastrea (commonly called Akan) and Blastomussa are both LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals found in coral reef ecosystems. Characterized by thick, colorful polyps available in shades of fluorescent green, orange, red, and purple, they are treasured by hobbyists as "jewels" of the reef tank and enjoy high popularity among enthusiasts.
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Easy growth promotion through feeding: They respond readily to food and growth is easy to observe
Setting Up the Aquarium Environment
Water Parameters
Parameter
Target
Temperature
24–26°C
Specific gravity
1.025–1.026
pH
8.1–8.3
KH (Alkalinity)
8–11 dKH
Ca (Calcium)
380–450 ppm
Mg (Magnesium)
1,200–1,350 ppm
Nitrate (NO3)
5–20 ppm
Phosphate (PO4)
0.03–0.1 ppm
Unlike SPS corals, they prefer environments with some nutrient content (nitrate and phosphate). In extremely low-nutrient tanks approaching zero, their colors may actually fade.
Lighting
Light Level
Suitability
Low light (PAR 30–80)
◎ Optimal. Place in mid to lower tank sections
Medium light (PAR 80–150)
○ No problem
High light (PAR 150+)
△ Direct light may cause bleaching or polyp retraction
A major advantage is that they can thrive in shaded areas or crevices in live rock where light is limited.
Tip for vibrant colors: Using an LED that emits blue and violet wavelengths will enhance the fluorescent protein expression.
Strong direct flow is not recommended: Sweeper tentacles won't extend properly and stress the coral
Placement in tank corners or shaded areas with gentle flow is suitable
Placement
Bottom to mid-level (top of rock in the lower tank section is optimal)
Avoid areas with intense direct light
Distance from other corals: At least 10 cm minimum (chemical warfare occurs if sweeper tentacles touch neighboring corals)
Feeding
Acanthastrea and Blastomussa benefit from active feeding to promote growth and color enhancement.
Feed Types
Feed Type
Effect
Frozen copepods
Close to natural nutrition. Polyps open well
Frozen brine shrimp
High palatability. Color-enhancing effect
Frozen daphnia
Easy to digest, beginner-friendly
Fine pellets
Convenient. Reduce flow before feeding
Amino acid supplements
Dissolve in water for tank-wide distribution
Feeding Method
Turn off water pumps before feeding (to prevent food from drifting away)
Use a pipette to place food directly near the polyps
Observe the polyps respond and actively consume the food in mesh-like fashion
Resume water flow after 15–20 minutes
Frequency: 2–3 times per week (daily feeding is possible but monitor for water quality issues)
Polyps tend to open largest at night, so feeding in the evening will result in better food intake.
Growth and Reproduction
Natural Fission (Budding)
Under good conditions, polyp numbers naturally increase over time (from 1–2 polyps growing into colonies with dozens). This is one of the rewards of keeping these corals.
Fragging (Fragmentation)
For breeding or trading purposes, corals can be divided:
Remove from the tank and carefully cut with a clean blade or chisel to include at least 1 polyp per fragment
Fix the cut end to a frag plug using epoxy adhesive
Place in a low-light, gentle-flow area of the tank and leave undisturbed for 1–2 weeks
Once the cut has healed (2–3 weeks), move to normal care conditions
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Polyps won't open
Cause: Water parameter fluctuation, shipping stress, excessive light or flow
Solution: Allow new specimens 1 week to acclimate. Reduce light and flow. Check water parameters
Solution: Move to a shadier location. Increase feeding frequency. Slightly raise nutrient levels
Persistent polyp retraction
Cause: Allelopathy from neighboring corals, chemical contamination (copper, iodine, etc.)
Solution: Increase distance from adjacent corals. Use activated carbon to remove chemical contaminants
Tissue recession or necrosis
Cause: Rapid temperature spikes, pathogens, chemical contamination
Solution: Stabilize water temperature. Isolate and treat with medicated water (diluted Buta-Jo or similar)
Summary
Acanthastrea and Blastomussa are excellent introductory LPS corals for reef tanks, combining vibrant colors with ease of care. They don't require high light and actually display their best colors under moderate to low lighting. Regular feeding allows you to increase polyp numbers and grow a thriving colony—a rewarding achievement. Once you master the basics of water quality management, give them a try.
