Acanthophyllia deshayesiana, commonly known as the Bleeding Apple Coral, is a captivating large polyp stony (LPS) coral from the Mussidae family. This small-sized specimen is perfect for marine aquarists seeking a visually striking addition to their reef tanks.
Care Level: Moderate to advanced. This coral requires stable water parameters and attentive husbandry.
Lighting Requirements: Moderate lighting is recommended. LED or T5 lighting systems that provide a PAR range of 50-150 µmol/m²/s support healthy pigmentation and growth.
Water Flow: Low to moderate, indirect water flow is ideal to prevent tissue damage and encourage polyp extension.
Placement: Place on the substrate or lower rockwork with ample space around it to avoid aggression towards neighbouring corals. This species can extend sweeper tentacles, so maintain at least 10-15 cm clearance.
Diet: Primarily photosynthetic via symbiotic zooxanthellae, but benefits from supplemental feeding of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or specialised coral foods 1-2 times per week.
Reef Compatibility: Yes, with adequate spacing. The Bleeding Apple Coral can be aggressive towards nearby corals due to sweeper tentacles.
Minimum Tank Size: 90 litres (approximately 24 gallons) to ensure stable water conditions and sufficient space.
Origin: Not Provided.
Maximum Size: Up to 25 cm diameter in mature specimens.
Regular water changes, stable calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels are essential for optimal skeletal growth. Avoid rapid changes in lighting or water flow to prevent stress.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.