Is this coral suitable for beginners?

It's generally considered a species for intermediate-level keepers. Having some basic experience with maintaining stable water quality will help it thrive.

What kind of placement and lighting does it need?

Moderate lighting in a mid-to-lower tank position works better than strong direct light. Let it acclimate gradually after introduction and adjust based on how the polyps extend.

Can it be kept near other corals?

It can sting nearby corals with its tentacles, so give it enough space from other colonies. Keep in mind its reach will extend further as it grows.

It gets some nutrition through photosynthesis, but supplemental feeding with small particulate foods can improve coloration and growth. Adjust feeding frequency based on the colony's condition.

Is this species regulated under CITES?

Acanthastrea Echinata is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.

Acanthastrea Echinata

Acanthastrea Echinata is an LPS coral in the family Lobophylliidae, found widely from the western Indian Ocean across the Pacific. Its thick, fleshy polyps are neatly divided by septa, and specimens with vivid green or red coloration are especially prized among reef keepers. It inhabits reef environments down to about 50 meters and generally prefers gentle water flow and moderate lighting. While the species is fairly hardy and strikingly colorful, it can be sensitive to sudden shifts in water parameters, making it better suited to keepers with some prior reefkeeping experience.

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Acanthastrea Echinata key facts

Care level: Intermediate
Temperature: 24〜27℃
Diet: Photosynthesis via zooxanthellae plus meaty foods
Lighting: Moderate LED lighting; start low and acclimate, since too much light causes fading.
Flow & Placement: Low to moderate flow. Direct strong current damages the fleshy tissue, so avoid it.
Water Temperature & Quality: Keep 24-27 C with KH 7-12 and calcium 400-450 ppm, held stable.
Feeding: It extends feeding tentacles at night; target-feed minced fish or shrimp to each polyp for colour and growth.
Notes: Space it from neighbouring LPS corals. As a scleractinian it is CITES Appendix II.

TraitsLPSAcanthastreaFluorescentCITES II

About Acanthastrea Echinata

An LPS coral from the family Lobophylliidae, native to the Indo-Pacific region, prized for its thick polyps and vivid green or red coloration. Considered a species suited to intermediate-level reef keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Acanthastrea Echinata

1Placement & Lighting
Avoid direct, intense light and place the coral in a mid-to-lower position under moderate lighting. After introduction, let the polyps acclimate gradually rather than exposing them to full light right away.
2Gentle Water Flow
Because its polyps are thick and fleshy, strong direct flow can prevent them from fully extending. Choose a spot with gentle, diffused water movement instead.
3Space From Neighbors
This species can extend sweeper tentacles to sting nearby corals, so give it plenty of clearance from other corals and even other color morphs of the same species. Keep in mind that its reach will grow as the colony expands.
4Stable Water Quality
As an intermediate-level coral, it can be sensitive to sudden swings in water parameters. Keeping calcium, alkalinity, and other values consistent over time supports its long-term health.
5Optional Supplemental Feeding
Alongside photosynthesis, occasional feeding with small particulate foods can help support coloration and growth. Adjust feeding frequency based on how the colony responds.
6Coloration Varies by Specimen
Green and red coloration can vary noticeably between individual colonies, even within the same species. Check polyp extension and color condition carefully before bringing one home.
7Acclimation After Arrival
It's common for polyps to stay retracted for a while after a move, gradually extending over days to weeks. Give a newly introduced colony time to settle in rather than expecting immediate full extension.

Frequently asked questions about Acanthastrea Echinata

Q.Is this coral suitable for beginners?: A.It's generally considered a species for intermediate-level keepers. Having some basic experience with maintaining stable water quality will help it thrive.
Q.What kind of placement and lighting does it need?: A.Moderate lighting in a mid-to-lower tank position works better than strong direct light. Let it acclimate gradually after introduction and adjust based on how the polyps extend.
Q.Can it be kept near other corals?: A.It can sting nearby corals with its tentacles, so give it enough space from other colonies. Keep in mind its reach will extend further as it grows.
Q.Should I feed it?: A.It gets some nutrition through photosynthesis, but supplemental feeding with small particulate foods can improve coloration and growth. Adjust feeding frequency based on the colony's condition.
Q.Is this species regulated under CITES?: A.Acanthastrea Echinata is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.