Elkhorn coral

Acropora palmata

Family : Acroporidae

CoralMarineAcropora

Acropora palmata is an iconic branching coral of the Caribbean, critically endangered.

Elkhorn coral — photo 1 sur 4 — U.S. Geological Survey · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain1 / 4

Popularity

SPS coral

small polyps, intense light

Availability

Order only

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Critically Endangered

Biotope

Caribbean

Récifs de l'Atlantique Ouest tropical.

Description

This coral forms large elkhorn-shaped colonies with thick, rounded branches. Color ranges from light brown to yellow. It grows rapidly in clear, turbulent waters. Its polyps are small and retracted during the day. It plays a key role in reef building. In aquariums, it is very demanding, requiring intense light and strong flow. It is sensitive to bleaching and diseases.

Habitat

Region :

Shallow reefs, high-energy zones

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature25–28 °C

pH8.1–8.4

GH8–12 °dGH

KH8–12 °dKH

Salinity1.024–1.026 ‰

NO₃

≤ 5 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 0.05 mg/L

Calcium

≥ 420 ppm

Magnesium

≥ 1300 ppm

Light

Very high

Flow

High

Care

Difficulty

5/5

Diet

Photosynthetic

Min. tank

400 L

Min. group

Adult size

50 cm

Lifespan

15 years

Temperament

Aggressive

Propagation

fragmentation

Care notes

Temperature 25-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.024-1.026. Very high lighting (LED or metal halide) and strong flow. Calcium 420-450 ppm, magnesium 1300-1350 ppm. Nitrates < 5 ppm, phosphates < 0.05 ppm. Feeds mainly through photosynthesis, but may accept fine plankton. Minimum tank volume 400 liters. Avoid coral-eating fish. Fragile during transport, requires slow acclimation.

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