Ice Cap Acropora

Ice Cap Acropora: The Blue Tipped Showpiece

The Ice Cap Acropora (Acropora millepora) is one of the most recognized and sought-after Small Polyp Stony (SPS) corals, valued for its compact growth structure and stunning coloration. This specific strain of A. millepora is characterized by a dense, bottlebrush or tabling morphology with thick branches covered in fuzzy, extended polyps, giving it a soft appearance despite its hard, calcareous skeleton.

The name "Ice Cap" is derived from its signature look: a vibrant, uniform body color—typically a rich emerald green or deep teal—that contrasts dramatically with its intense, electric blue or white growth tips. This high-contrast coloration makes it a centerpiece in any dedicated SPS reef tank. The color intensity is heavily dependent on the quality and spectrum of lighting provided.

While considered slightly hardier than some other Acropora species, the Ice Cap Acropora still requires advanced care, demanding exceptional water stability, intense light, and rigorous adherence to calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium supplementation to support its dense skeleton.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic. It relies almost entirely on the energy produced by its symbiotic zooxanthellae algae, thriving under high light intensity.
• Feeding: Supplemental feeding is highly beneficial for faster and denser growth. Target feed the coral polyps 2-3 times per week with very fine particulate foods, such as cyclops, rotifers, or high-quality amino acid solutions and commercial coral powders. A. millepora polyps are known to extend well, making them receptive to feeding.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe but fiercely Territorial. Like all Acropora, it is a hard coral and is aggressive toward neighboring corals. It requires 6 inches or more of clearance from other corals (SPS and LPS) to prevent damage from stinging cells or chemical warfare.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, but Highly Aggressive/Territorial toward other corals. Place it in the middle to upper half of the tank to maximize light and ensure it receives turbulent flow.
• Water Requirements: Requires advanced water stability. The tank must be mature with low nutrients (Nitrate < 10 ppm, Phosphate < 0.1 ppm). Critical parameters: Alkalinity (dKH 8.0-9.5), Calcium (420-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1300-1400 ppm). Demands intense, high-PAR lighting (PAR 300-500+) and strong, turbulent water flow to prevent detritus buildup within the dense branches.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Acropora millepora (Specific strain)
• Primary Common Name: Ice Cap Acropora
• Other Common Names: Ice Cap Milly, Blue Tip Millepora
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size:** Can grow into large, dense colonies (6-12+ inches)

Temperament: Peaceful (Aggressive/Territorial toward other corals)Diet: Photosynthetic (Zooxanthellate; benefits from feeding)Minimum Tank Size: 75 Gallons (Established, dedicated SPS reef)Reef Compatibility: Yes, but requires expert-level spacing and stability.Care Level: Advanced