Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
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Acropora

Acropora carduus

(Dana, 1846)

Bottlebrush Acropora

Likely Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Widespread.

Natural Environment: Inhabits protected deep lagoons and back reefs including subtidal sandy slopes and lagoon floors and seen at depths between 10 to 150 feet (3 - 45 m).

General Husbandry: See Acropora aculeus for suggested aquarium husbandry.

Taxonomy:

    Kingdom: Animalia

    Phylum: Cnidaria

    Class: Anthozoa

    Subclass: Hexacorallia

    Order: Scleractinia

    Family: Acroporidae

    Genus: Acropora

FYI: Has a bush-like growth in the wild and generally cream colored.

Cultured specimens exist in the trade that exhibit bright colors, therefore ask under what conditions it was grown in so you may adjust PAR to meet it needs.

It may be there are 'highly' lit cultured specimens exhibiting an overall red color, sometimes referred to as 'Red Dragon,' however its not clear whether or not its really this species. If so, a PAR of 500+ may be necessary to maintain its colors.

 Acropora carduus (Bottlebrush Acropora)
Photo © Wayne Shang
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