Care Level: Moderate Coral Type: LPS Coral Lighting Requirement: Low to Moderate Flow: Low to Moderate Temperament: Semi-Aggressive Placement: Sandbed Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate Reef-Safe: Yes Listing Type: WYSIWYG
ACANTHOPHYLLIA CORAL
The Acanthophyllia Coral (Acanthophyllia deshayesiana) is a large, fleshy LPS coral known for its bold coloration, inflated tissue, and dramatic centerpiece appearance. These corals can display incredible blends of red, orange, green, blue, purple, gold, and other color variations depending on the individual specimen and lighting conditions.
Each Acanthophyllia has its own unique pattern, shape, color blend, and tissue structure, which is exactly why this listing is offered as WYSIWYG.
WYSIWYG means “What You See Is What You Get.” The coral shown in the photo is the actual coral you will receive. No mystery meatball coral lottery, no “similar specimen,” no buying one thing and receiving its emotionally distant cousin. The piece pictured is the piece being sold.
Acanthophyllia corals are generally hardy once established, but they do best in stable reef aquariums with gentle flow, moderate lighting, and enough room for their fleshy tissue to expand without being irritated by nearby rockwork or aggressive coral neighbors.
CARE REQUIREMENTS
LIGHTING
Acanthophyllia corals do best under low to moderate lighting. A general target range of around 50-150 PAR is a good starting point for most reef aquariums.
Too much light too quickly can cause stress, bleaching, or tissue recession. If the coral is new to your aquarium, start it in a lower-light area and allow it to adjust gradually before increasing intensity. Corals, unlike humans apparently, do not enjoy being blasted into productivity.
FLOW
Low to moderate indirect flow is recommended. The coral should receive enough movement to keep debris from settling on its tissue, but not so much that the flesh is being pushed tightly against the skeleton.
Avoid strong direct flow from powerheads or return nozzles. Excessive flow can cause the coral to stay retracted, prevent full expansion, or damage the soft tissue. This is a coral, not a windsock with calcium bones.
PLACEMENT
Acanthophyllia corals should be placed on the sandbed, preferably in an area with gentle flow and stable lighting.
Avoid placing them directly on sharp rockwork, as their fleshy tissue can expand and rub against hard surfaces. Give the coral plenty of open space around it so it can inflate fully without being stung, shaded, or irritated by neighboring corals.
WATER PARAMETERS
Stable water quality is important for long-term success with Acanthophyllia corals. Like many LPS corals, they can tolerate normal reef variation, but sudden swings in alkalinity, salinity, or temperature can cause stress and tissue recession.
Consistency is more important than chasing perfect numbers. Acanthophyllia corals prefer boring stability, which is deeply unfair given how dramatic they look.
FEEDING
Acanthophyllia corals receive much of their energy from photosynthesis, but they can benefit from occasional feeding. Feeding may help support tissue fullness, coloration, and long-term health.
RECOMMENDED FOODS
LPS Pellets: Small sinking LPS pellets can be offered when feeding tentacles are visible.
Frozen Foods: Small pieces of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped clam, or finely chopped marine foods may be accepted.
Coral Foods: Meaty coral foods or fine prepared coral blends can also be used occasionally.
FEEDING FREQUENCY
Feed lightly 1-2 times per week if desired. Avoid overfeeding or placing large food pieces directly on the coral, as uneaten food can irritate the tissue or contribute to water quality issues.
Basically, feed the living reef pancake, but do not turn it into a buffet crime scene.
WYSIWYG INFORMATION
This is a WYSIWYG listing.
The coral shown in the photo is the exact coral you will receive. Photos are taken to represent the coral as accurately as possible, but appearance may still vary depending on:
Lighting spectrum Camera settings Viewing angle Tissue expansion Feeding response Nutrient levels Shipping or transport stress
Color, inflation, and overall appearance may shift after introduction as the coral adjusts to your aquarium. This is normal. Once settled into stable lighting and flow, Acanthophyllia corals usually inflate more fully and show their best coloration.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Acanthophyllia corals are best suited for established reef aquariums with stable parameters and gentle conditions. They should be placed on the sandbed with room to expand and should not be allowed to rub against sharp rockwork or aggressive neighboring corals.
This coral may remain partially deflated for a short period after shipping, dipping, transport, or placement. Once settled, it should begin expanding normally.
For best results, provide stable water chemistry, low to moderate lighting, gentle indirect flow, and occasional feeding. In other words, give the expensive fleshy reef pillow a peaceful life, because apparently that is what we’re doing now.
