Acropora spathulata

Acropora spathulata is an Australian corymbose Acropora with thick branches and distinctive spatula-shaped radial corallites, a texture that makes it easy to pick out in a collection. Aquacultured colonies span green, blue, and pink, with rainbow pieces showing several tones across a single colony in strong light. It forms a dense, low cushion rather than an open staghorn.

Care

This advanced Acropora belongs in a mature, stable SPS system. Alkalinity stability is the most important factor of all — keep it steady day to day and make changes slowly — and maintain calcium and magnesium consistently with it. Provide high, strong random flow that washes over the thick branches and into the colony; never direct a constant jet at one spot. As a high-light species it develops its best colour around PAR 250–400, with new frags acclimated upward gradually. An encrusting base growing out from the frag and consistent polyp extension are the clearest signs it is settled and healthy.

Placement and growth

Place it high, in the top zone with direct light and turbulent flow on all sides. Keep at least 2 in of minimum clearance from neighbours, as the corymbose colony will spread sideways as well as up and is easily shaded by faster corals beside it. Growth is moderate; expect a basing-down phase first, then steady thickening of the spatula-textured branches.