Red Acanthastrea lordhowensis
Acanthastrea lordhowensis
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Water parameters
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About Red Acanthastrea lordhowensis
General information
Naturally, Red Acanthastrea lordhowensis are massive types of reef-building corals. They have compressed corallites with an uneven height and acute walls with thick septa and large teeth. They don’t develop columns, instead, they have a fleshy mantle that is covered by fine papillae. Their color ranges from red, purple to green and you have to take note that their corallite walls are contrasting in color.
Hobbyist usually are not offered huge colonies like the ones you see in the wild. Most of them are tank-reared and provided in one or two head colonies. They are easy to care for and handle making them the perfect choice for beginners.
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, Red Acanthastrea lordhowensis 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 Red Acanthastrea lordhowensis. Fish are recommended as fish excretes nitrogen that can sustain the coral's growth.
Breeding & spawning
Red Acanthastrea lordhowensis does not need a high flow rate and intense light. Giving them moderate lighting allows the Red Acanthastrea lordhowensis to spread their polyps thereby allowing them to feed. Too much light will cause the polyps to be retracted.
Origination
Red Acanthastrea lordhowensis can be found in East Africa, Malaysia, north to south from Japan to New South Wales in Australia.
Cautions
Except for their kind, Red Acanthastrea lordhowensis are aggressive towards other species. During the night, they extend their tentacles and sting nearby corals. It is recommended to observe proper spacing between Iron Man Acans and other coral species. Further, they have the tendency to be overpowered with soft corals and will die especially if soft corals outnumber the Iron Man Acans.
Acclimation process
Red Acanthastrea lordhowensis are purely marine. So, therefore, salinity must be maintained thoroughly at 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.
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