Acropora loisetteae

Acropora loisetteae is a deepwater bottlebrush with notably smooth skin, its branches lacking the rough, fuzzy texture of many shallow-water Acropora. Aquacultured pieces are pale green to cream with luminous tips that glow under bluer, moderate light. Growth is slow, in keeping with its deepwater character, and colonies develop with a quiet, refined look.

Care

Rated expert, this species belongs only in a mature, stable SPS system with a long track record of consistency. Alkalinity stability is paramount, with calcium and magnesium held steady alongside it — smooth-skinned deepwater species have a reputation for reacting badly to sudden change. Keep light in the lower range, roughly PAR 150–300, and acclimate any change in intensity or position very gradually. Flow should be medium to high and random, washing gently but thoroughly around the branches, never a constant jet. Signs of health are a slowly encrusting base and soft polyp extension; because growth is slow, rely on regular testing rather than appearance to catch drift early.

Placement and growth

A middle to top placement in moderated light suits it better than the brightest crest of the rockwork. Allow at least 2 in of clearance from neighbouring corals, mount it firmly where it will not be knocked or shaded suddenly, and then leave it alone — for this species, an undisturbed year is worth more than any intervention.