Acan

Acan

Acan coral

Acan is a genus of coral that belongs to the family Acanthastrea. It is commonly found in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Maldives. Acan corals are known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, making them highly sought after by aquarium enthusiasts.

Description

Acan corals are characterized by their large, fleshy polyps and thick, bumpy skeletons. The polyps of Acan corals have numerous tentacles that are used for feeding and defense. These tentacles contain stinging cells called nematocysts, which help the coral capture and immobilize small prey.

The coloration of Acan corals can vary greatly, ranging from shades of green, red, orange, and blue to more rare colors like purple and yellow. The patterns on their skeletons can also be quite diverse, with some displaying intricate swirls, stripes, or spots.

Habitat and Distribution

Acan corals are typically found in shallow, tropical waters with moderate to high levels of light and water flow. They prefer areas with stable temperatures and moderate salinity. These corals are commonly found in reef environments, where they attach themselves to hard substrates such as rocks or dead coral skeletons.

The distribution of Acan corals spans across the Indo-Pacific region, including the coasts of Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Maldives. They are also found in the Red Sea and the western Pacific Ocean.

Care and Maintenance

Acan coral in a reef aquarium

Acan corals are popular choices for reef aquariums due to their stunning colors and relative ease of care. To maintain a healthy Acan coral, it is important to provide them with the following conditions:

1. Lighting: Acan corals require moderate to high levels of light. LED lights or metal halide lamps are commonly used in aquarium setups to provide the necessary light intensity.

2. Water Parameters: Acan corals thrive in water with stable temperature and salinity levels. The ideal temperature range is between 75°F and 82°F (24°C and 28°C), and the salinity should be maintained at around 1.025 specific gravity.

3. Water Flow: Acan corals prefer moderate water flow. This can be achieved by using powerheads or wavemakers to create gentle currents within the aquarium.

4. Feeding: Acan corals are primarily photosynthetic, but they also benefit from supplemental feeding. They can be fed with small meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, or finely chopped seafood.

Conservation Status

Acan corals are currently not listed as endangered or threatened. However, like many other coral species, they are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. It is important to practice responsible aquarium keeping and support conservation efforts to ensure the long-term survival of Acan corals and their ecosystems.

See Also

• Coral reef
• Great Barrier Reef
• Indo-Pacific region