Acropora latistella

Acropora latistella grows in a corymbose cluster, its branches packed into a rounded, cushion-like colony. In aquaculture it shows blue, green and purple, sometimes blended across a single colony, with the strongest colour at the tips under high light. Growth is moderate, and a settled colony steadily gains both height and density.

Care

An advanced species that needs a mature, stable SPS system. Alkalinity stability matters above all else: choose a target, hold it, and keep calcium and magnesium consistent with it. Provide high light, around PAR 250–400, ramped up gradually for new pieces, and strong random flow that penetrates the cluster instead of a constant jet striking one face. Dense corymbose colonies are prone to detritus settling in the middle, so interior flow is genuinely important. An encrusting base, even colour and regular polyp extension signal a healthy colony; centre recession is a prompt to check flow and alkalinity history first.

Placement and growth

Place it at the top of the rockwork with at least 2 in of clearance from neighbours on every side, plus room for the cluster to broaden. It is peaceful, but it will compete for light by growing over lower corals if planted carelessly. Mount it securely on a stable surface and leave it to establish without repeated adjustment.