Common name: Acropora azurea
General information
Acropora azurea is a species of small polyp stony (SPS) coral known for its striking blue coloration and intricate branching structure. It is a popular choice among reef aquarium enthusiasts due to its beauty and the dynamic reefscapes it can create. Like other Acropora species, A. azurea is a fast-growing coral that can form extensive colonies in the wild.
Details
- Lighting
- 200 to 350 PAR
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 25 to 28 °C (77 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality.
- Flow
- Moderate Mimics natural reef currents.
- Aggression
- Peaceful
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumCnidariansCnidaria
- ClassCoralsAnthozoa
- OrderStony CoralsScleractinia
- FamilyAcroporidaeAcroporidae
- GenusAcroporaAcropora
- SpeciesAcropora azureaAcropora azurea Veron & Wallace, 1984
Care
A. azurea requires stable water conditions and intense lighting to thrive in captivity. It prefers strong water flow to help deliver nutrients and remove waste products. Calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels should be maintained within optimal ranges to support its skeletal growth. Regular feeding with microplankton or coral foods designed for SPS corals can promote health and coloration.
Symbiosis
While A. azurea does not have the same level of symbiosis as some corals that host fish or invertebrates, it does have a mutualistic relationship with zooxanthellae, photosynthetic algae that live within its tissues. These algae provide the coral with energy through photosynthesis, while the coral provides protection and access to light.
Habitat
Acropora azurea is found in the Indo-Pacific region, typically in shallow reef environments where sunlight is abundant. It is often seen at depths ranging from just below the surface to about 20 meters, where it forms part of the complex reef ecosystem providing habitat for a myriad of marine life.