Reeflings

Common name: Acropora nasuta

Scientific name: Acropora nasuta (Dana, 1846)
Stone Coral Acropora nasuta.Caribbean coral reef staghorn coral,Acropora cervicornis
Beautiful underwater light and silhouette staghorn coral reef wallpaper in night dive explore travel activity with black water background landscape at Koh Losin Island, Thailand
Scuba diving with friends in the Great Barrier Reef in a beautiful day with clear water
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General information

Acropora nasuta, commonly known as Nasuta Coral, is a small polyp stony (SPS) coral that is popular among reef aquarium enthusiasts for its intricate branching structure and vibrant colors, which can range from green to blue, often with purple tips. This species is part of the Acroporidae family, which is known for its fast growth rates and contribution to reef building.

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 difficult Sensitive to water quality.
Flow
High Thrives in strong flow.
Aggression
Peaceful

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Cnidarians
    Cnidaria
  3. Class
    Corals
    Anthozoa
  4. Order
    Stony Corals
    Scleractinia
  5. Family
    Acroporidae
    Acroporidae
  6. Genus
    Acropora
    Acropora
  7. Species
    Acropora nasuta
    Acropora nasuta (Dana, 1846)
  8. Synonyms
    Acropora diomedeae Vaughan, 1906
    Madrepora canaliculata Klunzinger, 1879
    Madrepora nasuta Dana, 1846

Care

Nasuta Coral 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 other coral foods can promote health and coloration.

Symbiosis

While not known for hosting fish or invertebrates, Acropora nasuta can be part of a diverse reef ecosystem, providing shelter and habitat for a variety of small reef creatures. Its complex structure is ideal for small fish and invertebrates to hide from predators.

Habitat

Acropora nasuta is found in the shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific region, typically in reef slopes and lagoons where it forms colonies. It is often exposed to strong currents and high light levels in its natural habitat.