Acropora abrolhosensis

Acropora abrolhosensis is a staghorn Acropora with long, arborescent branches that grow upward and outward in an open, tree-like colony. In aquaculture it is typically green and brown with purple tips, the tip colour becoming more apparent in strong light on actively growing branches. It is a classic staghorn in habit, built for height and spread rather than density.

Care

This is an advanced species for a mature, stable SPS system. Alkalinity stability matters above all else — hold it flat and avoid large, reactive corrections — and keep calcium and magnesium consistent alongside it so growth does not stall. Provide high, strong random flow that reaches between the long branches; never point a constant jet straight at a branch tip. As a high-light staghorn it does best around PAR 250–400, acclimated gradually from frag light levels. Look for an encrusting base spreading at the mount and good polyp extension along the branches as signs of health.

Placement and growth

Place it at the top of the aquascape where light and flow are strongest, with room to grow upward. Keep at least 2 in of minimum clearance from neighbours, and allow extra lateral room since arborescent branches reach well beyond the original frag. Growth is moderate; once encrusted, new staghorn branches extend steadily and will need that space rather than pruning early.