Strawberry Shortcake Acro
£45.00
1 in stock
Description
Acropora microclados (Strawberry Shortcake Acropora)
AT A GLANCE
Quick facts: Care level: Moderate · Lighting: High · Flow: Moderate–High · Feeding: Benefits from feeding
WHY SHOULD I BUY THIS CORAL?
The Strawberry Shortcake Acropora is a legendary SPS coral prized for its striking colour contrast, most commonly displaying a vibrant pink to red base with bright neon green polyps. Under strong reef lighting, Acropora microclados exhibits sharp colour separation and intense fluorescence that has made it a staple in high‑end SPS collections. Its fine‑branched growth form adds height, structure, and visual energy to reef aquascapes, making it a true showpiece coral.
CARE LEVEL
Moderate
Best suited to established reef systems with excellent stability and consistent nutrient control.
WATER REQUIREMENTS & GENERAL CARE
• Temperature: 24–27 °C
• Salinity: 1.025–1.026 (33–35 ppt)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity: 7.5–9 dKH
• Calcium: 420–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm
Highly stable parameters are critical for colour retention, tip growth, and long‑term success.
LIGHTING
• High
• PAR Range: 250–350 PAR
High‑intensity lighting is required to maintain the characteristic pink/red base and vivid green polyp coloration. Gradual acclimation is essential to prevent bleaching.
PLACEMENT
• Upper rockwork
Place high in the aquascape on secure rockwork with ample space for branching growth and strong, even light exposure.
FLOW
• Moderate–High
Provide strong, varied, and turbulent flow to promote healthy tissue, prevent detritus buildup, and support robust skeletal development.
FEEDING
• Photosynthetic: Benefit from feeding
Recommended feeding schedule:
• 2–3 times per week
Accepted foods:
• Fine powdered coral foods
• Reef roids
• Microplankton blends
• Amino acid supplements
Supplemental feeding supports faster growth, improved resilience, and enhanced coloration.
COMPATIBILITY & BEHAVIOUR
• Temperament: Peaceful
• No sweeper tentacles
• Requires space from neighbouring SPS to prevent shading and competition
• Sensitive to rapid changes in parameters
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• Family: Acroporidae
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Natural Habitat: Shallow reef crests and high‑energy reef zones
• Typical Depth Range: 1–15 m
WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS CORAL
✔ Iconic pink and green “Strawberry Shortcake” coloration
✔ Strong fluorescence under high‑end reef lighting
✔ Excellent structure‑building SPS coral
✔ Must‑have centrepiece for advanced SPS systems
DISCLAIMER
• SPS corals require stable, mature reef systems
• Colour may vary depending on lighting and nutrient levels
• Growth rate and coloration depend heavily on system stability
• All corals are supplied healthy and pest checked
