Acanthophyllia

Discussion in 'Coral of the Month' started by mikejrice, Feb 3, 2015.

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Have you kept acanthophyllia?

  1. Yes

    4 vote(s)
    80.0%
  2. No

    1 vote(s)
    20.0%
  1. mikejrice

    mikejrice 3reef Affiliate

    Joined:
    May 24, 2009
    Messages:
    5,926
    Location:
    Colorado
    Distribution: Australia, Indonesia
    Coloration: May be solid, banded or speckled in many different colors and combinations of colors
    Care level: Medium
    Lighting requirements: Moderate
    Flow: Low to moderate

    SG: 1.023-1.026.
    Calcium: 400-500.
    Alk: 8-12.
    Magnesium: 1350-1500.
    Temperature: 76-82
    Growth: Moderate is well fed



    Acanthophyllia is a solitary, sand dwelling, large polyp stony coral. It forms a radial skeleton with large, fleshy, accordion style curtains which may extend out to the sand in all direction. Short tentacles surround a central, large oral disc and mouth at the center of the fleshy outer curtains. Colors and patterns are nearly unlimited.

    I've not kept many acanthophyllia during my time as a hobbyist though I have housed a nice green speckled specimen in my tanks for the last year or so. It seems to do well in conditions that suite other large, solitary, sand dwellers although I have noticed that going just a bit under on lighting can cause problems quickly. Low to moderate lighting seems to be best.

    Acanthophyllia has a very potent sting towards anything close enough to touch its flesh. Give it some space!

    I feed acanthos very regularly, as with all solitary sand dwellers, which seems to help with the growth and health of their flesh. Dry pellet foods are what I use, but they will readily accept nearly all meat or vegetable based foods.

    As with all LPS, and especially solitary sand dwellers, stable alkalinity is key to health, color and growth.

    2013-04-20-221.jpg

    2013-04-20-221.jpg dsc021111.jpg
     
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  3. Reefbuilder

    Reefbuilder Scooter Blennie

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2013
    Messages:
    1,248
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Mine has similar colors opens up to the size of a dinner plate. I feed it silversides every few days.
     
    mikejrice likes this.
  4. Reefbuilder

    Reefbuilder Scooter Blennie

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2013
    Messages:
    1,248
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
  5. AnotherMike

    AnotherMike Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2015
    Messages:
    171
    Location:
    Massachusetts
    I have only discovered these corals in the past 6 months and I'm in love with them. I picked up a rich green one and then at macna this year I picked up this baby.

    [​IMG]

    I'm on the lookout for one more dazzling multicolored one.
     
    Katya likes this.