The Red Planet Acropora (Acropora sp., ORA strain) is a captivating, aquacultured small polyp stony (SPS) coral renowned in the reef aquarium community for its vibrant red hues, rapid tabling growth, and relative ease among SPS varieties, making it a go-to for intermediate keepers looking to build colorful, expansive colonies.
Structure: Exhibits a classic tabling or plating form with broad, horizontal plates that encrust and spread outward, creating layered shelves rather than upright branches; this gives it a flat, encrusting base that transitions to wavy, undulating growth as it matures.
Coloration: Features deep red corallites and polyps with a contrasting green base that provides subtle depth; new growth emerges in light pink to white tones, and under actinic or blue-heavy lighting, the reds intensify with a fluorescent glow, though excessive light may fade the green accents.
Size and Growth: Typically sold as 1-2 inch frags, it boasts fast growth rates, quickly forming large, shelf-like colonies (up to 6-12 inches across) that can shade lower corals if not managed.
The Red Planet Acropora (Acropora sp., ORA strain) is a captivating, aquacultured small polyp stony (SPS) coral renowned in the reef aquarium community for its vibrant red hues, rapid tabling growth, and relative ease among SPS varieties, making it a go-to for intermediate keepers looking to build colorful, expansive colonies.
Structure: Exhibits a classic tabling or plating form with broad, horizontal plates that encrust and spread outward, creating layered shelves rather than upright branches; this gives it a flat, encrusting base that transitions to wavy, undulating growth as it matures.
Coloration: Features deep red corallites and polyps with a contrasting green base that provides subtle depth; new growth emerges in light pink to white tones, and under actinic or blue-heavy lighting, the reds intensify with a fluorescent glow, though excessive light may fade the green accents.
Size and Growth: Typically sold as 1-2 inch frags, it boasts fast growth rates, quickly forming large, shelf-like colonies (up to 6-12 inches across) that can shade lower corals if not managed.
