Acan Corals

Acanthastrea spp.

💧Moderate Flow

☀️Low to Moderate Light

⭐Beginner to Intermediate Difficulty

Acan Coral (Acanthastrea spp.), are a popular group of large polyp stony (LPS) corals known for their bold colors, fleshy polyps, and ease of care. These corals form low, encrusting colonies with wide mouths and can inflate dramatically when feeding or under ideal conditions. Acans come in a stunning variety of colors — from neon greens and fiery oranges to rare rainbow patterns — making them a favorite for collectors. They thrive in low to moderate light with a moderate flow and are a great choice for both beginners and advanced reef keepers.

Classification

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Cnidaria
Class	Anthozoa
Order	Scleractinia
Family	Lobophylliidae
Genus	Acanthastrea
Species	Multiple, including: Acanthastrea echinata Acanthastrea rotundoflora Micromussa lordhowensis (former) Homophyllia bowerbanki (former)

In the reefkeeping community, 'Acan Coral' commonly refers to several species within the Acanthastrea genus. However, some species previously classified as Acanthastrea have been reclassified - for example, A. lordhowensis is now considered a Micromussa, and A. bowerbanki has been moved to the Homophyllia genus. Despite these taxonomic changes, these corals are still widely referred to as Acans when searching or filtering in the hobby.

Acan Coral Care Tips

Lighting

Low to Moderate

Low

Moderate

High

Flow

Moderate

Low

Moderate

High

Difficulty

Beginner to Intermediate

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Acan Coral FAQs

Do Acan corals need to be fed?

While Acan corals can survive on light and dissolved nutrients, they thrive when target-fed. Feeding is highly recommended as it promotes faster growth, more vibrant coloration, and better overall health.

Are Acan corals aggressive?

Yes, many Acan corals are aggressive and can sting nearby corals. It's best to place them with enough space around their colony to prevent contact, especially at night when their short sweeper tentacles may extend.

Why are my Acans losing or changing color?

Color changes in Acans are often caused by shifts in lighting intensity or unstable water parameters. It's common for new heads to display slightly different colors as they grow. Acans generally prefer lower light levels, and high-intensity lighting — especially strong blue channels — can cause fading or color morphing over time.

Are Acan corals good for beginners?

Yes, Acan corals are considered beginner-friendly LPS corals. They are hardy, adaptable to a range of conditions, and don't require intense lighting. With stable parameters and target feeding, they can thrive and display vibrant colors even in newer reef tanks.

Acan Corals For Sale

Current Listings: 755
Lowest Price: $12
Highest Price: $2000
Median Price: $64

Explore 755+ Acan Coral Listings

Aussie Hulk Micromussa Lord Coral

Vivid Aquariums

$500

Acan Bowerbanki – Australia Ultra Purple Neon! (Blue Video Inside!)

Corals.com

$229

Cherries Jubilee Asian Lord and Crazy Awesome Hitchhiker Zoanthids

World Wide Corals

$40

Acan Echinata Frag ULTRA Aussie Glowing Eyes

Corals.com

$40

Australian Peerless Acanthastrea

Austin Aqua Farms

$24

Rainbow Center Acan – (WYSIWYG)

Queen City Corals

$48

Asian Black Hole Sun Acan – (WYSIWYG)

Queen City Corals

Top Sellers

Queen City Corals 183 Acan Listings	183 listings
Top Shelf Aquatics 168 Acan Listings	168 listings
Corals.com 119 Acan Listings	119 listings
Austin Aqua Farms 78 Acan Listings	78 listings
TRSC Aquatics 72 Acan Listings	72 listings
Vivid Aquariums 33 Acan Listings	33 listings

How to Choose a Healthy Acan Coral

Polyp Health:
Healthy Acans should have inflated, fleshy polyps that are responsive to light and movement. Avoid specimens with deflated, recessed, or damaged tissue.
Growth Signs:
Frags showing new heads forming around the edges at the base are actively growing and generally healthy. This is a good sign of stability and low stress.
Fresh Cuts vs. Healed Colonies:
Healed frags with visible tissue growth over the skeleton are more stable than fresh cuts. However, fresh frags can still thrive with good care.

If you like Acan...

Blasto

Bowerbanki

Lord

Micromussa

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