Does Acropora grow fast?

All Answers (12) Its both. In general branching corals grow faster than plate-like corals which in turn grow faster than massive corals. However, species of the genus Acropora grow relatively fast: branches can grow more than 100 mm /year.

Is Acropora a hard coral?

Acropora corals include some of the fastest growing hard corals. Their branching forms provide shelter to a wide variety of animals, from small fishes to tiny clams, small crabs to shrimps.

What type of coral is Acropora?

polyp stony coral
Acropora is a genus of small polyp stony coral in the phylum Cnidaria. Some of its species are known as table coral, elkhorn coral, and staghorn coral.

How long do Acropora take to grow?

From my experience it can take from 6months to 2 years depending on the coral.

How fast do Acropora coral grow?

per year
Let’s take a look at two different species of coral in the northeastern Caribbean, Acropora palmata or elkhorn coral (figure 9-2a) is a very important reef-building coral in the Caribbean and Florida. It has a fast growth rate of up to 4 inches (10 cm) per year (Gladfelter et al. 1978).

Why does Acropora turn white?

Coral bleaching, a process by which reef-building corals lose their algae and turn white, has long thought to be a result of faulty photosynthesis caused by high temperatures. But new research shows that bleaching can occur at night, too.

How do you identify Acropora species?

Acropora identifying features

Bottlebrush. With small twigs that tend to be inserted in the main branch perpendicularly which makes it look like a bottlebrush.
Bush. With the shape of a thicket or a clump.
Cluster. Small groups formed on each main branch.
Elkhorn.
Encrusting.
Finger.
Staghorn.
Plate or table.

Is Acropora aggressive?

Placement/Aggression Although they don’t look it, Acropora are an aggressive coral. They don’t have stinging sweeper tentacles or engage in chemical warfare but they pack a powerful sting especially to nearby SPS.

What is the easiest Acropora to grow?

Green Slimer, Red Planet, most valida and milli species have been easiest for me. The ORA varieties are a good bet, as is anything from a local reefer that has a history of captaive growth and hardiness. Smooth skins/deep water are usually a bit more challenging to acclimate and get established.