Acropora parilis

The Branching Acropora Coral in these color morphs exude a delicate beauty. Tightly packed branches and nariform (nose-shaped) corallites resemble floral clusters that make it easy to imagine an established patch of Branching Acropora Coral as a picturesque flush of spring blossoms. The Branching Acropora Coral makes a remarkable addition to a low-nutrient reef aquarium system or for any collector or reef enthusiast.

The ideal conditions for the Acropora coral is an established reef aquarium with bright lighting provided by preferably intense metal halides. Acropora coral can also thrive under multiple T-5 or compact fluorescent lamps if placed high in the aquarium. Under the right conditions, the growth rate of the Acropora coral is much more rapid than most other corals found in an established reef aquarium.

To maximize the growth rate of your Branching Acropora Coral, it is imperative to maintain a high pH, alkalinity and calcium levels, and to keep phosphate and nitrate levels as close to zero as possible. If conditions are ideal, it can also be cultured and grown into a new colony from living fragments or broken pieces.

In addition to high lighting condition and near pristine water quality, the Branching Acropora Coral prefers strong, intermittent water flow within the aquarium. This is best accomplished with a wavemaker and multiple powerheads. For continued good health, the Branching Acropora Coral requires the addition of calcium, strontium, iodine, magnesium and trace elements.

The symbiotic algae zooxanthellae hosted within the Branching Acropora Coral supplies the coral a majority of its nutrition. However, it will benefit from the addition of various types of phyto and zooplankton.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/2" to 3"