Red Stripe Acan Lord (Acanthastrea lordhowensis)
Quick Stats
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
- Colour Form: Deep Red with White Ring and Subtle Stripes
- Water Conditions: 24-26°C, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
- Family: Lobophylliidae
- Lighting: Low to Moderate
- Supplements: Calcium, Magnesium, Amino Acids, Trace Elements
- Water Flow: Low to Moderate
- Placement: Lower to Middle
Overview
The Red Stripe Acan Lord is a captivating coral featuring deep red polyps encircled by a distinct white ring with subtle striping patterns. This Acanthastrea lordhowensis is prized for its intricate colouration and unique design, making it a standout piece in any LPS collection. Its fleshy, rounded polyps and contrasting stripes offer a visual richness that adds both texture and elegance to a reef tank.
Care & Feeding
The Red Stripe Acan Lord prefers low to moderate lighting and a gentle water flow, which allows its polyps to fully extend and showcase its intricate markings. Although it relies on photosynthesis, it benefits from target feeding with mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or coral pellets, promoting growth and enhancing its unique colour contrast.
To support its growth and vibrant coloration, maintaining stable alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium levels is essential.
Optimal Parameters
- Alkalinity (dKH): 8-12
- Calcium (Ca): 380-450 ppm
- Magnesium (Mg): 1250-1350 ppm
- Nitrate (NO3): 5-15 ppm
- Phosphate (PO4): 0.03-0.08 ppm
Placement
Place the Red Stripe Acan Lord in the lower to middle sections of your reef, where it can receive moderate light and gentle water movement. This positioning will allow its polyps to fully extend, highlighting the vibrant red and white striping.
The Red Stripe Acan Lord is a beautiful, low-maintenance coral that adds an extra layer of complexity to your reef with its stunning contrast and intricate patterns.