Pink Acropora
Pink acropora corals make up only one species of acropora out of over 300 that are currently known to exist. Also referred to as acropora humilis or purple acropora, pink acropora corals can be found throughout the Indo-Pacific Ocean, most specifically along the Great Barrier Reef in New Guinea. Like its relatives in other acropora species, the pink acropora coral prefers shallow areas of ocean water, and the pink acropora commonly dwells among exposed upper reef ledges and reef flats.
Appearance of Pink Acropora
Although most pink acropora corals are bright red in appearance, there are specimens that are feature lighter hues, in addition to contrasting colored branches in shades of green, orange, and blue. The pink acropora is distinguished against other types of acropora coral because of its main body coloring, pink. The growth pattern of pink acropora corals is a cluster pattern that is in the general shape of a dome.
Pink Acropora in the Reef Aquarium
Because of the pink acropora coral's fragility in shipping, and transition period required to acclimate to new environments, obtaining a pink acropora in optimal health can be a challenge. If this challenge can be overcome, pink acropora corals will grow quickly and abundantly given the proper tank conditions. Once the final placement of the pink acropora into the home tank has taken place, avoid moving the specimen around. The pink acropora is extremely sensitive, and frequent changes in its placement will cause stress on the coral that could lead to sickness.
Pink Acropora Coloration and Lighting
In order to bring out the most vivid shades of red in the pink acropora, the coral will require the highest level of light available. Many aquarists recommend metal halide light sources- the lamps will cause the pink acropora to fluoresce brilliantly. In captivity, the pink acropora will need a steady water temperature between 74F and 83F, in addition to strong water movement. These parameters will help to maintain the optimal health of a pink acropora coral.
Pink Acropora Cultivation
Another benefit to aquarists includes the pink acropora's ability to be easily propagated. Propagation of a pink acropora coral is done by mimicking the coral's natural reproduction process of fragmentation
Pink Acropora Propagation of Tank Raised
Branches of the pink acropora coral can be removed by gently snapping outward segments and placed in a separate area within the tank. Interestingly enough, pink acropora corals that have been bred in captivity tend to be more tolerant of varying tank conditions and require less maintenance than those harvested from the wild.
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