Blue Nova Echinata
Acanthastrea echinata
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Water parameters
Water parameters are being added.
About Blue Nova Echinata
General information
In the wild, Blue Nova Echinata comes in two forms: either encrusting or massive. Their colonies may reach over a meter in length. They have circular corallites with thick walls and septa that have long and pointed teeth. Their skeleton is covered with a thick fleshy tissue that usually forms a concentric fold.
The color of Blue Nova Echinata is typically mottled dull brown to gray or green. However, they can be brightly colored which can be influenced by environmental factors especially in waters with high nutrient level. This is best exhibited in captive breeding where growers have produced a lavender and bright green variety. One of the popular breeding varieties is the Orange Crush Acan Echinata, Rainbow Acan Echinata, and Lavender Green Acan Echinata.
You also have to look out for other factors and must stay within the range:
- Calcium: 400 – 450 ppm
- Alkalinity: 3.2 – 4.8 MEQ/L
- Phosphates: 0
- Magnesium: 1200 – 1350
- Strontium: 8 – 10
- Temperature: 76° – 83° F (24° – 28° C)
- Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 – 1.025
Diet & nutrition
In the wild, Blue Nova Echinata has developed a symbiotic feeding relationship with marine algae called zooxanthellae. But in captivity, you have to feed them with nanoplankton or dissolved organics.
Determining sex
A mature tank is highly recommended in propagating Blue Nova Echinata. Thriving them with fish is recommended as fish excretes nitrogen that can sustain the coral's growth.
Breeding & spawning
Blue Nova Echinata does not need high flow rate and intense light. Giving them moderate lighting allows the Blue Nova Echinata to spread their polyps thereby allowing them to feed. Too much light will cause the polyps to be retracted.
Origination
Blue Nova Echinata can be found throughout the Indo-Pacific region. They are widely distributed from East Africa (the Red Sea to Polynesia), Japan, Marshall Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef and Solitary Islands of Australia.
Cautions
Except for their kind, Blue Nova Echinata is aggressive towards other species. During the night, they extend their tentacles and sting nearby corals. It is recommended to observe proper spacing between corals. Further, they have the tendency to be overpowered with soft corals and will die especially if soft corals outnumber them.
Acclimation process
Blue Nova Echinata are purely marine. So, therefore, salinity must be maintained thoroughly at 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.
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