Green Goblin Anacropora

Green Goblin Anacropora: The Fuzzy Green Brancher

The Green Goblin Anacropora (Anacropora species) is a highly desirable and relatively lesser-known Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral that is gaining popularity in the hobby. It is often mistaken for Acropora or Montipora, but Anacropora forms delicate, fuzzy, and intricate colonies. This specific strain is celebrated for its highly saturated, uniform neon green coloration across its skeletal body and extended polyps.

The Green Goblin typically grows in a thin, delicate, and irregularly branching morphology that can appear bushy or bushy-tabling. A key characteristic of the Anacropora genus is the large, fuzzy polyps that are almost always extended, giving the coral a soft texture. This makes it an attractive visual contrast to other smooth-looking SPS corals.

While considered slightly less demanding than some true Acropora (like the high-end Torts), the Green Goblin Anacropora still requires advanced care. It demands stable parameters, consistent trace element supplementation, and adequate light and flow to maintain its intense green color and prevent tissue recession.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic. It relies heavily on energy produced by its symbiotic zooxanthellae algae, thriving under strong light intensity.
• Feeding: Due to its large, extended polyps, the Green Goblin is highly receptive to feeding and benefits strongly from it. Target feed the polyps 2-3 times per week with fine particulate foods, such as cyclops, rotifers, or commercial coral powders and amino acid solutions.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe and generally non-aggressive toward neighbors, lacking the potent stinging apparatus of many Acropora species. However, due to its delicate structure, it should be placed away from corals with long sweeper tentacles (like Euphyllia) and robust fish that might knock it over.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, and Passive toward other corals. It should be positioned in an area with moderate light and moderate, variable water flow that is gentle enough not to tear the polyps but strong enough to prevent detritus from settling on the delicate branches.
• Water Requirements: Requires stable parameters. The tank should be mature with low nutrient levels (Nitrate < 10 ppm, Phosphate < 0.1 ppm). Critical parameters: Alkalinity (dKH 8.0-10.0), Calcium (400-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1300-1400 ppm). Demands moderate to high-PAR lighting (PAR 250-400).

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Anacropora sp.
• Primary Common Name: Green Goblin Anacropora
• Other Common Names: Fuzzy Green Acro, Green Anacropora
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can grow into large, intricate colonies (6-10+ inches)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Passive toward other corals)
• Diet: Photosynthetic (Zooxanthellate; benefits heavily from feeding)
• Minimum Tank Size: 50 Gallons (Established reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Excellent)
• Care Level: Advanced