Acropora sarmentosa

Acropora sarmentosa combines bottlebrush and staghorn habits, recognisable by its tubular corallites, which give the branches a distinctive, slightly pipe-like texture. In aquaculture it offers one of the wider colour ranges in this group — purple-blue, green and gold all appear, sometimes on the same colony. For an Acropora of this type its growth is relatively approachable, rated moderate and a step less demanding than many of its relatives.

Care

Still an advanced SPS, best kept in a mature, stable system. Alkalinity stability matters above all else — hold it steady and keep calcium and magnesium consistent to match. Provide high light, roughly PAR 250–400, acclimating new frags gradually, and medium to high random flow that moves around the tubular branches rather than a constant jet. Its texture can catch detritus, so flow that keeps the branches clean helps. Watch for an encrusting base and good polyp extension as signs it has settled; when those are present, this species will usually reward you with steady, visible growth.

Placement and growth

Place it at the top of the rockwork with at least 2 in of clearance from neighbours, and a little extra room for its branching spread. Mount it firmly, give it an undisturbed settling period to encrust, and then let the colony develop — it is peaceful, but plan for the light it will eventually take from corals below.