Lilac Attack Acropora

Lilac Attack Acropora: The Purple and Green Masterpiece

The Lilac Attack Acropora (Acropora species, often considered a variation of A. tortuosa or a similar branching strain) is a premium, high-value, and deeply sought-after Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral. This designer strain is celebrated for its incredible contrast: a vibrant, dense electric purple or lilac-colored base and branches that are tipped with striking neon green or yellow growth tips and polyps.

The intense, saturated purple coloration of the Lilac Attack is dependent on specific conditions, usually requiring ultra-low nutrient levels (ULNS) and high-intensity, blue-spectrum lighting. It typically grows in a tight, twisting, or clustered branching formation. This coral is often used as a benchmark for water quality in advanced reef systems.

Due to its high sensitivity and reliance on precise environmental control to maintain its signature colors, the Lilac Attack Acropora is strictly reserved for the Expert-Only hobbyist who can consistently maintain highly stable water parameters without fluctuations.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic. It relies almost entirely on the energy derived from its symbiotic zooxanthellae algae, thriving under strong light.
• Feeding: Supplemental feeding is beneficial but must be balanced carefully against nutrient levels. Target feed the coral polyps 2-3 times per week with high-quality, fine particulate foods, such as amino acid solutions, cyclops, or fine coral powders. In a ULNS system, feeding is often necessary to support the polyps.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe but fiercely Territorial. Like all Acropora, it possesses stinging cells and is chemically aggressive toward neighbors. It requires a generous 6-8 inches or more of clearance from all other corals to prevent damage.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, but Highly Aggressive/Territorial toward other corals. It demands placement in the upper regions of the tank under the most intense light and strong, turbulent water flow.
• Water Requirements: Requires zero tolerance for instability. The tank must be biologically mature with ultra-low nutrient levels (Nitrate < 5 ppm, Phosphate < 0.05 ppm). Critical parameters: Alkalinity (dKH 8.0-8.5), Calcium (420-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1300-1400 ppm). Demands intense, high-PAR lighting (PAR 350-550+) with an emphasis on the blue spectrum to drive purple coloration, along with very strong water flow.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Acropora sp. (Likely a A. tortuosa or A. caroliniana variant)
• Primary Common Name: Lilac Attack Acropora
• Other Common Names: Purple Tip Green Acro, Lilac & Green Acropora
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can grow into intricate, dense colonies (6–10+ inches)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Aggressive/Territorial toward other corals)
• Diet: Photosynthetic (Zooxanthellate; benefits from plankton/aminos)
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 Gallons (Established, dedicated SPS reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes, but requires expert-level spacing and stability.
• Care Level: Expert Only