Ultra Master Bowerbanki

Acanthastrea bowerbanki

Saltwater Coral Species Group: Acanthastrea Family: Mussidae

Log in or create an account to add this species to your tanks.

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 Hydrogen

Measuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.

 NO3 1-20 ppm Nitrate

While 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 Nitrite

It is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia

 PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm Phosphate

It is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.

 NH3 <0.1 ppm Ammonia

It is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death

 Ca 380 - 450 ppm Calcium

Supporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae

 KH 8 - 12 dKH Alkalinity

It acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.

 Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm Magnesium

It 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 Salinity

Essential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals

 ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction Potential

A higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.

About Ultra Master Bowerbanki

General information

Ultra Master Bowerbanki are small encrusting corals that have corallites with an irregular angular shape. The central corallite is conspicious with compact septa and small columellae. This is one of the few species of Acanthastrea that is not fleshy. Its general color range from pale gray or brown and is often mottled.

This is the ideal range of water parameters for raising Ultra Master Bowerbanki in captivity:

  • 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, Ultra Master Bowerbanki 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 Ultra Master Bowerbanki. Thriving them with fish is recommended as fish excretes nitrogen that can sustain the coral's growth.

Breeding & spawning

Ultra Master Bowerbanki does not need a high flow rate and intense light. Giving them moderate lighting allows the Ultra Master Bowerbanki to spread their polyps thereby allowing them to feed. Too much light will cause the polyps to be retracted.

Origination

Ultra Master Bowerbanki have a wide range of habitats and can be found in both tropical and subtropical areas. They are widely distributed in the Indo-West Pacific region ranging from Indonesia to Melanesia and Japan to Australia.

Cautions

Except for their kind, Ultra Master Bowerbanki 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

Ultra Master Bowerbanki are purely marine. So, therefore, salinity must be maintained thoroughly at 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.

All photos

Tap a photo to open the gallery viewer.