Acropora efflorescens

Acropora efflorescens is a plating table Acropora in the efflo complex, forming broad, flat plates that stack and spread horizontally. It is grown for that architectural plate form as much as for colour. In aquaculture it appears in blue, purple, and green, with the plate rim and upper surface usually carrying the best colour.

Care

This is an advanced species for a mature, stable SPS system. Alkalinity stability is the key above all else — steady daily values, slow corrections — and calcium and magnesium need to remain consistent to support continuous plate growth. Provide high, strong random flow across the top of the plate and underneath its edges; never direct a constant jet at the plate, which damages tissue and does nothing for the sheltered underside. As a high-light table it does well around PAR 250–400, acclimated gradually. An encrusting base at the mount, polyp extension over the plate, and a clean growing rim signal good health.

Placement and growth

Place it in the middle to top zone on an exposed point where a plate can form freely. Efflo-type tables need wide room — plan a large horizontal footprint and expect the plate to shade corals below — while keeping at least 2 in of minimum clearance at the growing edge from any neighbour. Growth is moderate and mostly outward; secure the frag well, as a plate that tips before it encrusts will struggle to recover its form.