Bubble Yum Acropora

Bubble Yum Acropora: The Pink and Green Delight

The Bubble Yum Acropora (Acropora species, likely a variety of A. microclados or A. loripes) is a highly sought-after and collectible Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral in the reef aquarium hobby. This coral is a prized specimen known for its unique and stunning dual coloration: a vibrant neon green body that beautifully contrasts with bright pink to magenta growth tips and occasionally pink polyps, reminiscent of bubblegum.

Like many designer Acropora strains, the Bubble Yum grows in a dense, branching or bottlebrush morphology, demanding specific environmental conditions to display its signature colors. This coral is considered Expert Only due to its extreme sensitivity. It is a true Scleractinia (reef-building) coral that requires pristine, unwavering water chemistry, high calcium/alkalinity levels, intense lighting, and robust, turbulent flow.

Maintaining the intense pink and green coloration requires precise control over lighting spectrum (often demanding higher blue spectrum light) and nutrients, making it a true showpiece coral for the dedicated, advanced hobbyist.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic. It hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae algae, which provide the vast majority of its energy needs through high light absorption.
• Feeding: Supplemental feeding is highly recommended to encourage optimal growth and color saturation. Target feed the polyps 2-3 times per week with high-quality, fine particulate foods, such as cyclops, rotifers, or commercial amino acid solutions and coral powders.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe but extremely Territorial. Like all Acropora species, it may extend stinging mesenterial filaments or sweeper tentacles. It requires at least 6-8 inches of distance from all other corals (both SPS and LPS), as contact will result in tissue loss for both parties.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, but Highly Aggressive/Territorial toward other corals. It should be placed in the upper portion of the tank to maximize light and flow exposure, away from competitors.
• Water Requirements: Requires expert-level water stability; any fluctuation in alkalinity (dKH) can cause immediate stress. Critical parameters: Alkalinity (dKH 8.0-9.5), Calcium (420-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1300-1400 ppm). Demands intense lighting (PAR 350-550+) and very strong, turbulent water flow to prevent detritus buildup.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Acropora sp. (Likely A. microclados or A. loripes variant)
• Primary Common Name: Bubble Yum Acropora
• Other Common Names: Bubblegum Acro, Pink Tip Green Acro, Pink & Green Acropora
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can grow into large colonies (6-12+ inches)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Aggressive/Territorial toward other corals)
• Diet: Photosynthetic (Zooxanthellate; benefits heavily from feeding)
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 Gallons (Established, dedicated SPS reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes, but requires expert-level spacing and stability.
• Care Level: Expert