Common name: Digitate Acropora

General information

Acropora digitifera, commonly known as Digitate Acropora or Staghorn Coral, is a species of small polyp stony (SPS) coral. It is renowned for its distinctive branching growth pattern that resembles the digits of a hand or antlers of a stag, hence the name. This coral is highly appreciated in the reefkeeping hobby for its intricate structure and vibrant colors, which can range from deep greens to purples and blues.

Care

Digitate Acropora is a challenging coral to keep, requiring stable water conditions and intense lighting to thrive. It prefers strong water flow to deliver nutrients and remove waste products. Calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels must be maintained within specific ranges to support its rapid skeletal growth. Acropora digitifera is also sensitive to changes in water quality, so regular water testing and changes are crucial.

Symbiosis

This coral species does not have any specific symbiotic relationships that are of particular interest to hobbyists, unlike some corals that host organisms like Christmas tree worms. However, it does engage in a mutualistic relationship with zooxanthellae, photosynthetic algae that live within its tissues. These algae provide the coral with nutrients produced through photosynthesis, while the coral provides the algae with a protected environment and access to sunlight.

Habitat

Acropora digitifera is found in the shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and central and western Pacific. It typically inhabits reef slopes and lagoons where it forms dense thickets, providing habitat for a myriad of marine life. In the wild, it can be found at depths ranging from just below the surface to about 30 meters.