Table Acropora
One of the 300 species of acropora corals known to man is the table acropora (scientific name acropora clathrata), a small polyp stony coral that originates from the shallow waters of the Indian, Pacific and Caribbean oceans.
Table Acropora Colors
Found in colors of green and purple, table acropora corals grow in colonies that are characterized by horizontal radiating branches that form tables along the coral. The branches of the table acropora are extremely thin and appear to be quite fragile at first glance.
Maintenance Of Table Acropora
Because of the table acroporas high maintenance reputation in captivity, only experienced reef enthusiasts should attempt to keep table acropora corals in an artificial environment. Water temperature and quality needs to be monitored extremely carefully, as any fluctuations or changes can prove fatal to the table acropora coral. However, with proper and experienced care, the table acropora can quickly become one of the most visually captivating specimens in a home tank.
Reef Aquarium And Table Acropora
General requirements for maintaining a healthy table acropora coral include high levels of lighting (metal halides are usually preferred), a strong and steady water flow within the tank, warm water temperatures (72F- 78F), and pH levels of 8.1- 8.4. Adding trace elements such as calcium, strontium and iodine are usually recommended to ensure overall health of table acropora corals. A benefit of table acropora corals is that they are not aggressive in nature, and will not cause any damage to other live specimens in a tank. Therefore, specific placement of the table acropora coral is simply up to the preference of the aquarist himself.
Propagating Table Acropora
Many aquarists will attempt to propagate table acropora corals, a process that can be successful if the table acropora coral is healthy and disease-free. Because all species of acropora produce asexually, the process of fragmentation that occurs in nature is one that can be mimicked in captivity. Simply remove a branch of the table acropora coral and gently attach the segment to nearby substrate. (Attachment of the table acropora coral should be done only with aquarium-approved adhesive.) Because the table acropora species is such a fast growing coral, the new coral should grow quickly and develop its own colony.
Feeding Patterns Of Table Acropora
Because the table acropora species lack large-sized polyps, in addition to being unable to snag large specimens along the ocean floor, table acropora corals rely on the photosynthetic algae that inhabit their tissue for energy and nutrients. If the table acropora coral does consume food externally, it is restricted to consuming foods that are extremely small in size and will fit in their polyps. A recommended food for table acropora corals includes oyster eggs- their petite size is ideal.
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