Supernova Acropora

Supernova Acropora: The Explosive Yellow and Blue

The Supernova Acropora (Acropora species, often identified as a brilliant color morph of A. tortuosa or a similar branching species) is an iconic and highly prized Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral in the collector community. This strain is famous for its powerful and contrasting coloration: a deep, sometimes metallic blue or purple base and branches that transition dramatically into electric yellow or vibrant golden polyps and growth tips.

The name "Supernova" reflects the stunning, explosive contrast between the dark body and the bright, star-like tips. This coral typically grows in a branching or twisting staghorn morphology. Achieving and maintaining its peak color saturation requires exceptional control over light spectrum (heavy blue/UV) and strict adherence to an ultra-low nutrient system (ULNS), as nutrient spikes will quickly cause the coral to turn brown.

The Supernova Acropora is firmly in the Expert-Only category. It requires a long-established, stable reef system with impeccable water chemistry and is extremely sensitive to fluctuations in alkalinity, making it a demanding but highly rewarding showpiece.

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: Supplemental feeding is strongly recommended to support its demanding coloration and dense growth. 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. Feeding must be carefully managed to maintain ULNS status.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe but fiercely Territorial. Like all Acropora species, it is chemically and physically aggressive toward its neighbors. It requires ample space, ideally 6-8 inches or more of clearance from all other corals to avoid damage from stinging filaments.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, but Highly Aggressive/Territorial toward other corals. It should be positioned in the highest-light region of the aquarium and exposed to strong, chaotic 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 8.0-9.0), Calcium (420-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1300-1400 ppm). Demands very intense, high-PAR lighting (PAR 400-600+).

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Acropora sp. (Likely a variant of A. tortuosa or similar)
• Primary Common Name: Supernova Acropora
• Other Common Names: Supernova Acro, Blue Base Yellow Tip Acro
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can grow into large, branching 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