Tropicana Anacropora

Tropicana Anacropora: The Orange-Tipped Brancher

The Tropicana Anacropora (Anacropora species) is a beautiful and unique Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral appreciated for its highly contrasting colors and delicate, fuzzy structure. While often lumped in with Acropora or Montipora, Anacropora forms distinct colonies with large, extended polyps. This specific Tropicana strain is known for a base coloration that ranges from pale yellow-green to pinkish-tan, sharply highlighted by vibrant orange or red growth tips.

The Tropicana Anacropora typically grows in a thin, delicate, and multi-branched morphology, often creating a bushy appearance. Its defining feature, common to the genus, is the presence of large, constantly extended polyps, giving the coral a soft, "fuzzy" texture that distinguishes it from the smoother surface of most Acropora.

This coral requires advanced care. It thrives in stable, mature reef tanks with consistent water chemistry. It is sensitive to rough handling and requires careful placement to ensure proper flow without being damaged by aggressive neighbors.

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, receptive polyps, the Tropicana Anacropora benefits significantly from supplemental feeding. Target feed the polyps 2-3 times per week with high-quality, 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 (passive) toward other corals, as it lacks strong stinging mechanisms. However, its delicate branches can be damaged by aggressive fish or corals with long sweeper tentacles.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, and Passive toward other corals. It should be positioned in an area with moderate to high light and moderate, non-damaging, variable water flow that is sufficient to keep detritus from settling.
• 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: Tropicana Anacropora
• Other Common Names: Orange Tip Fuzzy Acro, Tropicana Fuzzy Brancher
• 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, non-aggressive SPS option)
• Care Level: Advanced