Martian Sunset Acropora

Martian Sunset Acropora: The Fiery Orange Delight

The Martian Sunset Acropora (Acropora species, often recognized as a collector strain of A. turaki or similar tabling/encrusting forms) is a premium, high-demand Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral in the reef aquarium community. This iconic strain is celebrated for its incredible, vibrant coloration that mimics a sunset: a deep reddish-orange to bright crimson base that often contrasts with neon green or sometimes yellow polyps.

The Martian Sunset typically exhibits an encrusting and then tabling or plating morphology with stubby, closely spaced branches. Its intense, fiery orange and red hues are a product of specific red and orange non-fluorescent pigments (chromoproteins). Achieving and maintaining this coloration requires exceptionally low nutrient levels (ULNS) and high-intensity, carefully tuned lighting that emphasizes blue and white spectrums.

As with all high-end, colorful Acropora strains, the Martian Sunset is designated for the Expert-Only hobbyist. It is extremely sensitive to fluctuations in alkalinity and requires a long-established, stable reef environment to prevent browning or rapid tissue necrosis (RTN/STN).

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic. It relies heavily on energy produced by its symbiotic zooxanthellae algae, thriving under strong light.
• Feeding: Supplemental feeding is highly recommended to support its vibrant color and dense growth, especially in ULNS systems. Target feed the polyps 2-3 times per week with high-quality, fine particulate foods, such as amino acid solutions, cyclops, or commercial coral powders. Nutrient input must be balanced with filtration.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe but fiercely Territorial. Like all Acropora species, it is chemically and physically aggressive. Due to its valuable nature and sensitivity, it requires ample space, ideally 6 inches or more of clearance from all neighboring corals to prevent warfare damage.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, but Highly Aggressive/Territorial toward other corals. It should be positioned in the middle to upper region of the aquarium to receive maximum light and strong, turbulent water flow.
• Water Requirements: Requires zero tolerance for instability. The tank must be 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 very intense, high-PAR lighting (PAR 400-600+) and strong, varied water flow.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Acropora sp. (Likely a variant of A. turaki or similar)
• Primary Common Name: Martian Sunset Acropora
• Other Common Names: Red-Orange Acro, Sunset Acropora, Martian Acro
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can grow into large, plating colonies (10-15+ 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