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May, Week 3
ACANTHASTREA LORDHOWENSIS
Family: Mussidae
Genus: Acanthastrea
Abundance: Occasionally Common
Distribution: Australia, Indonesia, Micronesia, China, Japan, Madagascar, East Africa
Habitat: Very shallow waters
Ease of care (out of 5): 4
(1 Hardest, 5 Easiest)
Hobby Availability (out of 5): 2
(1 Least, 5 Most)
Growth Formation: clustering
Growth Speed: slow to moderate
(under ideal conditions)
Light: moderate to high
Flow: random, turbulent to still
Fish Incompatibility: certain Angels, Butterfly (Raccoon, Saddleback, more to list)
Known Pests/Diseases: Brown Jelly Disease
Acanthastrea lordhowensis is the most sought after acan, and quite frankly right now, LPS (large polyp stony). In the wild, this species is massive, taking a good chunk of the ocean’s floor. The growth is radial, as each polyp buds either on the circumference of the colony, or between each single polyp. Corallites are compressed for space and thus are uneven in height. Lordhowensis is easily recognized from its cousins by the lateral markings on each polyp. These markings could be in an array of colors and present a spectacular ‘eye candy’ display. During feeding time, its mouth opens up and the papillae come out. It feeds on many micro-crustaceans such as pods and shrimp. In the hobby, people like to target feed them using a turkey baster to enhance their growth.
Fish compatibility is very random. There are many reports that Angels simply end up picking at the fleshy polyps. Butterfly, unless they are Copperband, Longnose, or Heniouchus, tend to prefer the meaty foods, such as the acanthastreas. So when buying fish, consider the possibility that it may have an appetite for your acans.
In terms of recent news, the importation of Acanthastreas from Australia (where the best morphs come from) into USA, has been ceased. This is due to the enormous demand for these corals. Exporting to other countries such as Canada, England, and Germany, has continued. Because of these new restrictions, many hobbyists have turned to fragging and trading to acquire new specimens. The market value for each colony, or even polyp, has skyrocketed. Some are even turning to Canada for their supplies, bringing in legal and illegal shipments. It will be very interesting to witness how the market for these Acanthastreas will unravel.
Here are some amazing pictures of this species:
Here are some sought after A. lordhowensis:
Stay tuned next week, as we will look at another HOT coral…. Zoanthidae, or commonly called Zoos.
(Want your picture featured next time? Submit it to fragd.it here!)
Trained by the thirteenth ring master of the Sian Xiuang Coral Temple. Currently is apprenticing the art of Acropora shaping in the ancient tradition of Ninja Fragging. Known as the SPS hero!