Aussie Donut Coral
Acanthophyllia deshayesiana
Saltwater Coral
Species Group: Acanthastrea
Family: Mussidae
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Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Aussie Donut Coral
General information
The Aussie Donut Coral is a solitary coral and has a base for attachment. But when it is not sessile or free living, its base is pointed. It has a thick primary septa with large round teeth. Its culumnae are broad and compact. The mantle may exceed twice the size of its exoskeleton and the polyps only extends during night. Their color is often a mixture of green, brown and pink.
The Aussie Donut Coral is easy to maintain in the aquarium making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarist. This are the water parameters in cultivating Aussie Donut Coral:
- pH: 8.1 – 8.4
- Strontium: 8 – 12
- Temperature: 72° – 78° F (22° – 26° C)
- Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 – 1.025
Diet & nutrition
While the Aussie Donut Coral has a symbiotic relationship with a marine algae called zooxanthellae, you still have to feed them with foods like micro-plankton or brine shrimp especially at night when their tentacles are out to feed. They also need supplements like calcium, strontium and other trace elements.
Determining sex
A mature tank is highly recommended in propagating Aussie Donut Coral. Fish are recommended as fish excretes nitrogen that can sustain the coral's growth.
Breeding & spawning
Aussie Donut Coral only requires medium lighting and low water movement.
Origination
Aussie Donut Coral can be found in the Indo-Pacific region particularly in the Red Sea, Eastern Africa including Madagascar, Tonga, and Japan.
Cautions
Aussie Donut Coral are semi-aggressive and should be provided with adequate space between other corals, especially since it can expand itself twice its size.
Acclimation process
Aussie Donut Coral are purely marine. So, therefore, salinity must be maintained thoroughly at 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.
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