© NPS photo - Eva DiDonato. Identified by Charles Birkeland / Public domainAcropora Austera
Acropora austera is a fast-growing SPS coral found across a wide range of Indo-Pacific reefs. In the wild it favors spots with plenty of water movement — upper reef slopes and mid-slope zones exposed to turbulence and strong current — and colony fragments can spread naturally as they're carried along by these flows. That same preference carries over into the aquarium, where strong water movement is key to healthy growth. Its branching skeleton makes for an eye-catching colony, but keeping stable water parameters takes some experience, so this species is generally suited to more advanced reefkeepers.
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Acropora Austera key facts
- Care level
- Advanced
- Temperature
- 22〜26℃
- Diet
- Mainly nutrition from symbiotic zooxanthellae, supplemented with powdered or liquid coral foods and phytoplankton.
- Lighting
- Requires strong light. AlgaeBarn cites successful Acropora keeping at PAR 800 or more. Start newly added colonies under reduced light and raise it over several weeks.
- Flow & Placement
- In the wild it grows on upper reef slopes exposed to turbulence and on mid reef slopes swept by strong currents, so give it correspondingly strong flow in the aquarium.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- Water 22-26C, specific gravity 1.023-1.025, KH 8-12, calcium 380-440 ppm, magnesium 1300-1400 ppm. Sudden swings in alkalinity are the most common cause of tissue loss.
- Feeding
- Most of its nutrition comes from photosynthesis by its zooxanthellae. Powdered or liquid coral foods and phytoplankton can be offered as a supplement, but stable light and water chemistry matter more than feeding.
- Notes
- It grows fast, so plan on regular fragging to manage colony size. Listed on CITES Appendix II.
About Acropora Austera
Acropora austera is a fast-growing Indo-Pacific SPS coral that favors strong water flow. Known as an advanced-level species, here's what to know about its traits and care.
7 things to know before welcoming a Acropora Austera
1Needs strong water flow
In the wild, this coral grows in spots hit by turbulence and strong current. Aim to recreate brisk water movement in the tank with powerheads, and avoid dead spots where flow stagnates.
2Fast-growing habit
This species is known for its fast growth rate among Acropora. When choosing a placement spot, plan ahead for future fragging or layout adjustments as the colony expands.
3Adequate lighting
Like other Acropora, it relies on photosynthesis from its zooxanthellae and needs strong lighting. Since light intensity varies by placement within the tank, adjust height and positioning while observing the coral's response.
4Advanced-level water care
This species is rated for experienced keepers. Keeping calcium, alkalinity, and other parameters stable — and avoiding sudden swings — is key to long-term success.
5Plan for its branching shape
Because it develops a branching skeleton, leave ample space from neighboring corals when placing it. This helps prevent contact and competition once the colony fills out.
6Watch for bleaching signs
Sudden changes in water quality, lighting, or insufficient flow can cause polyps to lose color over time. Regular observation helps you catch these changes early.
7Careful acclimation on arrival
Careful, gradual acclimation to temperature and water chemistry helps reduce the stress of transport. Once settled, ease the coral into its target flow and lighting conditions step by step rather than all at once.
Frequently asked questions about Acropora Austera
- Q.Can beginners keep Acropora austera?
- A.This species is rated for advanced keepers. Managing flow, lighting, and water parameters requires some experience, so it's best attempted after you're comfortable keeping other corals.
- Q.How much water flow does it need?
- A.In the wild it lives on reef slopes hit by turbulence and strong current, so strong flow is recommended in the aquarium too. Adjust pump direction and strength so water reaches the whole colony.
- Q.How fast does it grow?
- A.Reference data describes it as a fast-growing Acropora species. Actual growth speed varies with tank conditions, so keep an eye on it and adjust spacing or layout as needed.
- Q.Is it subject to CITES regulation?
- A.Acropora Austera 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.
- Q.Can it be kept alongside other Acropora?
- A.Its preference for strong flow and bright light is shared with other Acropora species. Given its branching growth habit, leaving room between neighboring colonies makes long-term layout management easier.
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