Acropora Efforescens
Acropora efforescens is only one of over 300 different species of acropora that populate the world's waters. A type of plate-branching acropora coral, the acropora efforescens species is native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean, but can also be found in waters around the Caribbean.
Acropora Efforescens Growth Rates
Like other species in the acropora family, acropora efforescens corals are speedy growers, and their colonies will quickly outnumber other corals in a reef system. Most acropora efforescens corals are brown or green in coloring, but some brightly colored acropora efforescens corals do exist. It is the brightly colored specimens that are most popular among divers, aquarists, and reef enthusiasts.
Feeding Habits Of Acropora Efforescens
Like many coral species, acropora efforescens corals contain symbiotic algae in its tissues that are responsible for generating the energy and nutrients that acropora efforescens corals need to survive. The microscopic algae are called zooxanthellae, and without it, acropora efforescens corals would grow at a much slower rate, if they are able to grow at all.
Acropora Efforescens And Photosynthesis
Aside from photosynthesis, acropora efforescens corals are not able to trap and consume food independently because of the extremely small size of their polyps. Therefore, having steady access to light is critical for acropora efforescens corals to thrive.
Acropora Efforescens In The Reef Aquarium
If a reef enthusiast chooses to acquire acropora efforescens for a home tank, there are specific tank parameters that should be in place to promote the health of an acropora efforescens specimen. Metal halides are the most recommended light source for a tank that holds acropora efforescens corals, although T-5 and compact fluorescents can also bring out intense coloring in the specimen. To encourage growth among the acropora efforescens specimens in captivity, the aquarist should regularly monitor levels in the tank. Alkalinity, pH, and calcium should remain high, while levels of phosphate and nitrate should remain low. A wave maker or set of power heads will be essential to help rid the acropora efforescens specimen from excess sediment that it is unable to remove itself. Placing the acropora efforescens coral in a direct path of the water movement will ensure that sediment doesn't damage the health of the acropora efforescens coral.
Propagation Of Acropora Efforescens
Since acropora efforescens corals reproduce naturally through fragmentation, a similar method can be mimicked in captivity. Ambitious aquarists will attempt to propagate acropora efforescens corals, and many will succeed. Before this should even be attempted, the acropora efforescens specimen should be healthy and thriving. Segments of acropora efforescens specimen can be removed at the branches and placed in an independent location away from the original colony. Over time, a new acropora efforescens colony will develop from the fragmented branch.
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