V.A. Mystery Machine Echinata

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AT A GLANCE
Quick facts: Care level: Easy–Moderate · Lighting: Low–Moderate · Flow: Low–Moderate · Feeding: Benefits from feeding

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WHY SHOULD I BUY THIS CORAL?
Acanthastrea echinata is a highly prized LPS coral renowned for its bold colour patterns, deep-set corallites, and intense fluorescence. Often displaying striking combinations of reds, greens, blues, oranges, and contrasting eyes, this coral adds rich texture and colour depth to reef aquariums. Its compact, encrusting to plating growth form makes it ideal for filling lower rockwork areas with dramatic visual impact.

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CARE LEVEL
Easy–Moderate
Well suited to established reef systems with stable water parameters.

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WATER REQUIREMENTS & GENERAL CARE

• Temperature: 24–27 °C
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 (32–35 ppt)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity: 8–9 dKH
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
Stable parameters are essential for tissue health, colour retention, and steady growth.

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LIGHTING
• Low–Moderate
• PAR Range: 50–120 PAR

Lower to moderate lighting promotes the best coloration and polyp extension. Excessive light may cause tissue recession or colour loss.

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PLACEMENT
• Bottom / Lower rockwork

Place on stable rock surfaces or frag racks with room for outward growth. Avoid positioning directly beneath high-intensity lighting.

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FLOW
• Low–Moderate

Provide gentle, indirect flow that keeps detritus from settling while allowing the fleshy polyps to inflate fully.

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FEEDING
• Photosynthetic: Benefit from feeding
Recommended feeding schedule:
• 1–2 times per week
Accepted foods:
• Finely chopped mysis or brine shrimp
• LPS pellets
• Reef roids or powdered coral foods
• Liquid coral foods or amino acids

Regular feeding enhances growth rate, polyp fullness, and overall colour intensity.

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COMPATIBILITY & BEHAVIOUR
• Temperament: Semi aggressive
• Capable of short sweeper tentacles
• Requires spacing from neighbouring corals
• Best kept away from more delicate species

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• Family: Lobophylliidae
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Natural Habitat: Reef slopes and sheltered reef zones
• Typical Depth Range: 5–30 m

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WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS CORAL
✔ Exceptional colour patterns and strong fluorescence
✔ Compact growth ideal for lower tank placement
✔ Hardy LPS coral with excellent feeding response
✔ Perfect for adding texture and depth to reef aquascapes

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DISCLAIMER
• Coral appearance may vary under different lighting conditions
• Size and colour may differ slightly from stock images
• Ensure adequate spacing when placing new corals
• All corals are supplied healthy and pest checked