April 2011- COTM A. abrotanoides

Acropora abrotanoides

Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Subkingdom: Radiata
Infrakingdom: Coelenterata
Phylum: Cnidaria
Subphylum: Anthozoa
Class: Anthozoa
Subclass: Zoantharia
Order: Scleractinia
Suborder: Astrocoeniina
Family: Acroporidae
Genus: Acropora
Species name: abrotanoides
Scientific name: - Acropora abrotanoides


Photo credit: Dan Rigle (rigleautomotive)
Origin: This coral originates from the Indian Ocean, Australia, and off of Madagascar. It is most commonly found along the Great Barrier Reef off of Australia.
Common Name: Abrotanoides, Abro
Temperament: The abrotanoides will grow in peace with other acropora. The coral will be taken over by some faster and aggressive growers. It will be hurt by LPS sweeper tentacles so make sure to keep a distance between the two.
Reef parameters and recommended/desired levels.
Salinity/specific gravity-1.025ppm or 35ppt
Temp.-78-82
PH-8.1-8.3
Ammonia/NH3-0
Nitrite/NO2-0
Nitrate/NO3-0
Phosphate/PO4-0
Hardiness: Both myself, as well as others I know who have this coral, would rate this coral as extremely hard. In my opinion this is the hardest coral I have ever come across.
Flow: As this coral is found almost exclusively at depths between 3-5 feet in areas of very high turbulence, it is recommended that the coral is placed in a tank with a very high turnover (+70x) and with randomized flow.
Feeding: Feeding is similar to most other SPS corals. The small polyps will only be able to consume very small organisms such as: small copepods, bacteria, zooxanthellae, and phytoplankton. In our reef tanks, a majority of the energy this coral requires is supplied by intense lighting.
Lighting: This coral requires only the most demanding of lighting. Anything less than 250w halides will almost always lead to a slow decline in health, browning out, and then eventual death. I have seen this coral kept successfully with slow growth under 250w halides. Under 400w halides the coral tends to have slightly faster growth.
Frag difficulty: Fragging of small pieces is not terribly difficult. The thickness of abrotanoides’ branches causes fragging of large pieces to occasionally pose issues. Clipping as with most acropora species is ideal for propogation.
Personal Observations: The color variations on this particular coral lend themselves to why the Abro is one of my personal favorites. Paired with the difficulty of this coral, it poses as a piece that is not only beautiful but also elusive to many aquarists. From my experiences, this particular acropora will be an early identifier of any phosphate that may arise, given that it will quickly brown out. From my experiences with my piece and the very few others I know with this coral, its coloration is pretty consistent with pink tips, bright green polyps, and even blue tissue at the base between different temperatures of lighting; given that the bulbs are of high quality with adequate spectral output. Due to the difficulty of this particular acro, if you are able to keep it alive then it clearly reflects upon your great husbandry skills and a well-kept, mature tank.

-Trent

 

Thank you for the excellent write up. They are stunning corals. When I see that wide stubby growth formation I think high on a reef crest with exposure to intense light and strong surge and wave action.

I would love to have a piece, but I do not think my tank offers the right conditions for it.

 

excellent info, Dingo. Thank you for sharing this.

 

Great write up and beautiful coral Trent. Gorgeous actually.

Regarding lighting - are you saying a 150w halide would not work with a shallow tank and this coral? Of course I am thinking of myself here. Actually I will give weight to your observations and pass because of your comment about flow - mine is not that strong. Anyway, I am rambling, thanks for the COTM and I would still like to hear your thoughts on the lighting a bit more..

matt

 

Great write up Trent. You always do such great COTMs! Gorgeous coral. I like the look of the branches a lot - very different.

 

Wow that is the nicest abrotanoides I have seen in someones tank! You are very right it needs alot of light and flow. We keep them under 1000w halides and it is hard to keep this acro. Great write up and tank. You definitely got skills!

 

Thanks a lot Matt! In your shallow of a tank I would say that your lighting is pretty strong... but it likes crazy flow.
I cant stress how picky this guy is though! its just one of those super hard ones to get settled in, so if you give it a go... good luck!

 

As much as I would love to claim this as mine, i cant lol
It is a friend of mines abro (rigleautomotive)... and trust me, this isnt the only amazing piece he owns

I did have one in my tank that was doing well... but died from dipping when I had a run-in with AEFW. I am getting another from him very soon so I hope the success continues