Tenuis Acropora

The Tenuis Acropora (Acropora tenuis) is considered the undisputed king of SPS corals among reef hobbyists due to its extraordinary, multi-colored pastel gradient potential and dense polyp extension. This iconic Small Polyp Stony species forms tight, bushy arborescent colonies characterized by delicate, tube-like radial corallites that sprout dense, shaggy polyp tentacles during the day, giving mature pieces a furry, highly kinetic visual appearance.

Coloration: Highly variable and spectrum-dependent; wild and cultured morphs display stunning multi-tone blends of electric blue, yellow-green, pink, magenta, and cyan, topped with bright white, blue, or yellow axial tips and contrasting polyp colors.

Growth Pattern: Corymbose / Bushy Cluster (forms tight, densely branched clusters with slender, tubular corallites that spread outwards in a compact dome). Sold as a frag on a 0.5 – 1 inch frag plug.

Lighting: High to Very High (PAR 300–500).

Water Flow: Very High (Strong, randomized turbulent current required to clear detritus from its dense branch cluster and deliver oxygen/nutrients).

Feeding: Photosynthetic; extends polyps aggressively during daylight and night to capture fine particulate coral foods, micro-plankton, and liquid amino acids.

Aggressiveness: Peaceful / Defenseless (lacks stinging sweeper tentacles and is easily stung or overgrown by neighboring LPS or fast-growing softies).

Care Level: Advanced (Requires pristine, stable water chemistry, high PAR, and strong flow; highly sensitive to parameter shifts).