Saxamo!

Acanthastrea Lordhowensis / Echinata are some of the most mis-identified corals in the reef and is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral. These corals have been misidentified by hobbyists and merchants alike for many years. Acanthastrea Lordhowensis / Echinata are a hermatypic / photosynthetic coral and come in a wide variety of brilliant colors. Because they are extremely easy to care for in a home or office aquarium, they are an excellent coral for beginners.

Acanthastrea Lordhowensis / Echinata are often referred to in the hobby vernacular as “the Lord” or “Acan” and generally have corallites between 8-15 cm in diameter. Because these corals have very fleshy polyps, identification to genus is difficult to impossible, as the characteristics that would confirm a positive identification are hidden. Acanthastrea Lordhowensis / Echinata are found in many locations on the reef up to about 20 meters in depth.

In marine saltwater aquariums, Acanthastrea Lordhowensis / Echinata are tolerant of diverse conditions and can thrive in strong or subdued lighting and water flow situations. In fact, their coloration variation can be controlled by lighting and water flow. They are very competitive in their ability to extrude mesenterial filaments. Great care should be taken when placing the Acanthastrea Lordhowensis and especially the Echinata, near other sessile organisms. Acanthastrea Lordhowensis / Echinata will readily accept feedings of minced meaty foods such as shrimp, mysis and squid. Though regular feeding of these corals is not required, it will definitely help its growth. They also seem to react better to higher levels of magnesium between  (1250-1350 ppm).