Purple Asterospicularia
Asterospicularia sp
Saltwater Coral
Species Group: Asterospicularia Soft Coral
Family: Asterospiculariidae
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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 Purple Asterospicularia
General information
The Purple Asterospicularia is one of the few species of soft corals that do not grow big. They are predominantly colored either blue or violet.
This are the water parameters for cultivating Purple Asterospicularia:
- Calcium: 420 – 440 ppm
- Alkalinity: 2.86 – 4.259 MEQ/L (8 – 12 dKH)
- Phosphates: > 0.10 mg/L
- Magnesium: 1260 – 1350
- Strontium: 8 -10 mg/L
- Temperature: 72° – 78° F (22° – 26° C)
- Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 – 1.025
- pH: 8.1 – 8.4
Diet & nutrition
While the Purple Asterospicularia gets it primary nourishment from a symbiotic zooxanthellae living within its tissues, the require supplemental feeding like mysis or brine shrimp.
Determining sex
The Purple Asterospicularia should be set either at the bottom or at the middle part of the tank.
Breeding & spawning
The Purple Asterospicularia only requires moderate lighting and moderate waterflow.
Origination
The Purple Asterospicularia can be found in the waters of the Indo-Pacific Ocean.
Cautions
Although the Purple Asterospicularia has a peaceful temperament, you still need to provide them with ample space to other coral specimens in the tank. Spacing is very important since the grow rapidly once it has established and completely acclimatized itself in the tank.
Acclimation process
Purple Asterospicularia are purely marine species. Therefore, salinity must be entirely maintained from 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.
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