© NPS photo - Eva DiDonato. Identified by Charles Birkeland / Public domainAcropora Tenuis
Acropora tenuis is a classic representative of the corymbose Acropora corals, prized for its branches arranged in a strikingly orderly pattern. Its tubular axial corallites and outward-flaring radial corallites give each branch tip a distinctive texture. Coloration varies widely between colonies — blue, cream, yellow, and green are all seen — creating rich color gradients across a mature colony. The species is also well known for synchronized mass spawning once a year, and aquacultured colonies are widely available in the trade. Because healthy growth depends on stable water quality and carefully managed lighting and flow, it is generally recommended for experienced reef keepers.
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Acropora Tenuis key facts
- Care level
- Advanced
- Temperature
- 24〜27℃
- 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
- The corymbose form packs its branchlets closely, so use strong flow that leaves no dead spots. Place it in a bright position on the upper to middle rockwork.
- 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
- Aquacultured colonies adapt readily to aquarium conditions. Synchronised annual spawning is well documented and gamete release occasionally occurs in aquaria. Listed on CITES Appendix II.
About Acropora Tenuis
Acropora tenuis is a corymbose coral known for its orderly branching, blue-to-yellow-green coloration, and annual synchronized spawning — a popular but advanced-level species with wide aquaculture availability.
7 things to know before welcoming a Acropora Tenuis
1Neat, Orderly Branching
Acropora tenuis grows in a corymbose form with branches arranged in a strikingly orderly pattern, produced by tubular axial corallites and radial corallites that open outward. As the colony matures, it branches further and develops an increasingly striking silhouette in the tank.
2A Wide Range of Colors
Individual colonies can show blue, cream, yellow, or green coloration, and this variety is one of the species' main draws. Coloration can shift with lighting and water conditions, so the same colony may look different over time.
3Synchronized Annual Spawning
Acropora tenuis is well known for synchronized mass spawning, where colonies release eggs and sperm together once a year. This reproductive strategy is a defining trait of the species in the wild and a reminder of seasonal cycles even in captivity.
4Advanced-Level Water Care
This species is considered suitable for experienced keepers, as it is sensitive to fluctuations in water quality. Avoid introducing it into a newly established or unstable tank, and instead add it to a system with a proven, stable environment.
5Needs Strong Light and Flow
Like most Acropora, healthy growth depends on adequate lighting and water flow reaching all parts of the colony. Positioning and aquascape layout should be planned so light and flow penetrate the inner branches, not just the outer tips.
6Watch for Bleaching Risk
Sudden environmental changes or stress can cause the coral to lose its symbiotic algae and bleach. Acclimate new colonies carefully and check regularly for changes in color or tissue condition.
7Benefits of Aquacultured Stock
Acropora tenuis is a species commonly propagated in captivity, so aquacultured colonies already adjusted to tank life are often available. Checking the origin of a colony at the time of purchase makes it easier to plan its ongoing care.
Frequently asked questions about Acropora Tenuis
- Q.Is Acropora tenuis suitable for beginners?
- A.Acropora tenuis is considered a species for experienced keepers. If you're not yet comfortable managing water quality and lighting, it's best to build experience with easier corals first.
- Q.What if its coloration starts fading?
- A.Color changes can be influenced by environmental factors such as lighting and water quality. Avoiding sudden changes and maintaining a stable tank environment can help preserve coloration.
- Q.Can synchronized spawning happen in a home aquarium?
- A.In the wild, Acropora tenuis is known for spawning once a year in sync with other colonies, but reproducing this in a tank depends on conditions like temperature and lighting. Without deliberate management aimed at triggering spawning, it won't necessarily occur.
- Q.Can it be kept alongside other Acropora species?
- A.Species with similar lighting and flow needs can often be kept together with the right layout. Even so, leave enough space between colonies for growth to avoid contact-related problems.
- Q.Is this species subject to CITES?
- A.Acropora Tenuis 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.
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