ORA Hawkins Echinata

ORA Hawkins Echinata is a tier-one Acropora echinata strain from ORA, admired for its refined bottlebrush form. Its signature colours are an ice-blue bottlebrush body with turquoise tips, a cool, pale palette that looks quite different from deeper blue staghorn strains. The slender, ordered branches and icy colour make it a focal point in a mature SPS display when it is growing well.

Care

This is an expert-level coral for a mature SPS system. Although its listed lighting is medium to high rather than simply high, it still needs high, strong random flow and exceptional stability. Alkalinity stability is paramount, with calcium and magnesium held steady and all changes made slowly. Bottlebrush echinata types can be unforgiving of swings or rough handling, so consistent water quality, gentle acclimation and a settled routine are essential to keep tissue healthy and colour clean.

Placement and growth

Place it near the top of the rockwork where flow is strong and light is bright but can be adjusted to suit its response. Growth is slow, so expect a deliberate pace and protect the developing branches from contact and shading. It is peaceful, but its form is delicate compared with heavier staghorns. Give it clear space, a permanent mount and time to establish before judging its progress.