Not furry either, still lovely.

Acropora

Acropora spp.

Also called Acros, Staghorn coral, Table coral, SPS coral

SpeciesShort profile

From Coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific (over 100 species) and the Caribbean (3 species).1

At a glance the quick version

Sizelarge

Fast growth in good conditions

Huge variety of shapes

Rare bright colour forms prized by reefers

Looks how to spot one

Small-polyp stony coral (SPS), branching or plate-shaped

Depending on species it grows as thin or thick branches, bushes or wide flat tables. The surface is dotted with tiny polyps, each around 2 mm, all sharing living tissue and a nerve net over a fast-growing limestone skeleton.1

ColoursBrownGreenOccasional bright colour forms1

Personality what they are like

A peaceful reef builder that spends the day soaking up light and may extend its tiny polyps at night to catch plankton. It is regarded as one of the more demanding corals to keep, suited to experienced aquarists.1 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Sessile; it relies on strong, turbulent water movement, like breaking waves on a reef crest, to bring food and keep its surface clean.2 1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

An advanced coral. It needs very steady conditions and regular calcium and alkalinity top-ups; reef guidance is roughly 400-450 ppm calcium, 7-12 dKH alkalinity, pH 8.2-8.6, nitrate 0-10 ppm and phosphate close to zero. Newly added colonies are usually inspected for hitchhiking pests.1 2

Home where they are happiest

A mature, clean reef aquarium with bright lighting, high turbulent flow and stable temperature, generally about 24-27 C (75-80 F), with salinity 1.022-1.025 sg.1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Gets most of its energy from photosynthetic algae living in its tissue, topped up by plankton caught at night.1

Company who they like around

Each colony is made of many linked polyps; it needs no tankmates but is often grown alongside other small-polyp stony corals.1 2

The story where it all began

Oken named the genus in 1815, and it has since grown into the largest group of reef-building stony corals. Its branching and table colonies form much of the limestone framework that tropical reefs are built on.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
With more than 149 described species, it is the most species-rich coral genus.3
2
In a well-run aquarium a fragment the size of a finger can become a colony the size of a medicine ball in one to two years.1
3
Staghorn coral can add up to 5 cm of new skeleton for every 1 cm it already has in a year.4
4
Broken-off branches can reattach and grow, which is staghorn coral's most common way of spreading.4

Recognised by the official bits

Taxonomy (Oken): Genus named by Oken in 1815, family Acroporidae; more than 149 species described, though hybrids and look-alike species make some uncertain.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Acropora. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingDepends on species, many feed from the light and the watervaries
Salinity checkevery week
Water testevery week
Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
Light checkevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Acropora?

Your Acropora gets most of its energy from light through its symbiotic algae, so it doesn't need frequent feeding. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding depends on the species, and many corals feed from the water column. For specific feeding advice, ask an experienced reef aquarist or your local aquarium store.1 Pet Wiki plan

What does an Acropora eat, and what should it never eat?

It mainly gets energy from photosynthetic algae inside its tissue, and at night it may catch tiny plankton. Avoid feeding it anything large or meaty, as it can't handle that. Stick to very fine planktonic foods if you supplement, and always check with a reef expert.1

How much space does an Acropora need?

This coral needs a mature, clean reef aquarium with plenty of room for its branching or plate-shaped growth. It is often grown alongside other small-polyp stony corals, so give it enough space to expand without touching others. A larger tank with stable conditions is best.1 2

What temperature, light or water does an Acropora need?

It needs bright lighting, high turbulent water flow, and stable temperature around 24-27°C (75-80°F) with salinity 1.022-1.025 sg. Furry Diary's plan includes weekly water tests and daily top-ups with fresh RO water. Keep calcium, alkalinity, and pH in the recommended ranges for reef tanks.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean an Acropora's home?

Clean the tank by doing a 10-20% water change every two weeks, as suggested in Furry Diary's plan. Also check salinity and water quality weekly, and top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Regular cleaning helps keep conditions steady for this sensitive coral. Pet Wiki plan

Can an Acropora live with others?

Yes, it is often grown alongside other small-polyp stony corals, but each colony is made of many linked polyps and doesn't need tankmates. Avoid placing it too close to other corals to prevent stinging or competition. It is a peaceful reef builder suited for experienced aquarists.1 2

How long does an Acropora live?

Lifespan varies widely depending on tank conditions and care, but with stable water and proper lighting it can live for many years in a reef aquarium. For specific longevity expectations, consult an experienced reef keeper or your local aquarium store.

Can I handle an Acropora?

It is best not to handle this coral directly, as it is delicate and has a limestone skeleton with tiny polyps. Touching can damage its tissue or stress it. Always use clean tools or gloves if you need to move it, and ask a reef expert for guidance.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Montipora

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

Acropora - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for taxonomy, range, form, size, colour, growth, care, diet
Reef aquarium - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for SPS flow and lighting needs, reef water parameters
Montipora - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for Acropora as most species-rich coral genus
Acropora cervicornis - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for staghorn size, growth rate, fragmentation

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.