Acropora desalwii

Acropora desalwii is a table to corymbose plate Acropora with flattened branches that spread into a low, layered shelf. That flattened growth makes it useful where a horizontal form is wanted without a full lattice table. In aquaculture it is seen in purple, green, and blue, with colour strongest on the flattened upper surfaces facing the light.

Care

This advanced species needs a mature, stable SPS system. Alkalinity stability is the foundation above all else; keep it consistent day to day, test regularly, and adjust slowly. Calcium and magnesium must likewise stay consistent. Give it high, strong random flow that passes over and under the flattened branches — never a constant jet, which will damage the exposed upper surface. As a high-light species, aim for PAR 250–400 with gradual acclimation for new pieces. An encrusting base, even polyp extension on the plate surface, and a healthy growing edge are the signs to look for.

Placement and growth

Place it in the middle to top zone where light reaches the whole plate and flow is not blocked by rock behind it. Because it plates outward, give it wide room to spread in addition to at least 2 in of minimum clearance from neighbouring corals at its edges. Growth is moderate and primarily horizontal once based down, so position it with its eventual shelf — and the shade it will cast below — in mind from the start.