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Coral Guide |  |
Family: Mussidae (Stony Corals)
Habitat: Found most commonly on reef slopes, in protected zones.
Light: Medium Water Flow: Medium Space: 50+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Easy Temperament: Aggressive
Diet: These corals have zooxanthellae which provide much of their nutrition. It is believed they also feed on microzooplankton and directly absorb some nutrients from the water.
Natural History: The Acanthastrea are known only to the Pacific Ocean. Their polyps are fleshy and they grow in colonies with fused corallites. They resemble Faviids in overall appearance. Acans have heavier tissue covering their skeleton.
Husbandry: Acanthastrea grows best in mild water flow systems with moderate light. They should be fed plankton that is small enough to be fully ingested. They can extend sweeper tentacles for defense and should be kept away from other corals, especially soft corals. They are adaptable to a variety of low to moderate light and water flow conditions.