Anacropora Coral Care Guide

Anacropora corals lack the axial corallites (terminal polyps) at branch tips that define Acropora species, making branch tip examination the easiest identification method between these closely related genera. Acropora branches feature a distinct, often differently-colored growth tip where the axial corallite drives rapid extension, while Anacropora branches taper to points with uniformly-sized corallites throughout.

Anacropora corals also grow thinner branches (3-15mm diameter), tolerate higher nutrients, and prove generally hardier than Acropora, making them better suited for reef keepers not yet ready for the demanding care Acropora requires.

Anacropora corals rank among the best SPS options for beginners due to their tolerance for imperfect water conditions and adaptability across a range of lighting and flow parameters. Anacropora corals survive nutrient levels and parameter fluctuations that would stress or kill Acropora, providing a forgiving introduction to stony coral keeping.

Reef keepers transitioning from soft corals and LPS to SPS should consider Anacropora alongside Montipora, Pocillopora, and Seriatopora (Birdsnest) as starter species before attempting more demanding Acropora varieties.

Anacropora corals display variable growth rates depending on species and conditions, with some aquarists reporting fast growth comparable to Birdsnest corals while others observe slower development than typical Acropora. Anacropora forbesi generally grows faster than other species in the genus, producing new branches readily once established in stable conditions.

The thin, fragile skeleton of Anacropora means visual colony size can increase quickly even when actual calcification rates remain moderate. Maintaining stable alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium levels supports consistent growth without the precise dosing demanded by faster-growing Acropora species.

Anacropora corals bleach and turn white primarily due to excessive lighting, rapid parameter changes, or elevated temperatures that cause zooxanthellae expulsion from coral tissue. Anacropora corals exposed to PAR levels significantly above 300 or sudden increases in light intensity will bleach from the tips downward as a stress response.

Reef keepers observing bleaching should immediately reduce lighting intensity, verify temperature stability between 76-80°F, and test alkalinity and calcium levels for abnormal readings. Anacropora can recover from partial bleaching if stressors are corrected promptly, though severely bleached specimens may not survive.

Anacropora corals possess limited aggressive capabilities compared to many SPS species and generally lose territorial battles against more aggressive corals like Acropora, Pocillopora, and most LPS species. Anacropora corals should be given adequate spacing of 2-3 inches from neighboring corals to prevent damage from more aggressive species extending sweeper tentacles or mesenterial filaments.

Reef keepers can safely allow multiple Anacropora colonies to grow together and even fuse, as intraspecific aggression is minimal, though different color morphs touching may result in one eventually overgrowing the other.

Briar Coral is the common name for Anacropora species, derived from the tangled, thorny growth pattern mature colonies develop that resembles a briar patch or bramble thicket. Anacropora forbesi most commonly receives this designation due to its chaotic branching structure where multiple branches fuse and interweave as the colony expands.

The "Briar Coral" name remains less commonly used than the scientific genus name Anacropora in the reef aquarium hobby, where most specimens are simply sold under their Latin designation regardless of species.