Description
Acan Lord – Acanthastrea lordhowensis
Micromussa / Acanthastrea lordhowensis, known as the Acan Lord, is one of the most beloved and colorful LPS corals in the reef aquarium hobby. It forms dense colonies of fleshy, scalloped polyps that display stunning combinations of red, orange, teal, and metallic hues. Native to the deeper, shaded reef slopes of Australia and the Coral Triangle, M. lordhowensis thrives in stable, nutrient-rich systems and rewards aquarists with both hardiness and exceptional visual appeal.
Lighting: Low to moderate (50–120 PAR); excessive light can cause fading, while moderate blue-spectrum LEDs enhance color depth and fluorescence
Flow: Low to moderate; gentle, indirect flow allows full polyp extension and prevents tissue abrasion
Placement: Bottom to mid-level areas of the tank on stable rockwork or sand; avoid placement near aggressive corals or strong current
Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–11 dKH
Calcium: 400–450 ppm
Magnesium: 1250–1400 ppm
Nutrients: Moderate (NO₃ 5–15 ppm, PO₄ 0.05–0.12 ppm); prefers slightly nutrient-rich systems with consistent chemistry
Feeding: Photosynthetic but benefits greatly from 2–3 target feedings per week with mysis shrimp, LPS pellets, or finely minced seafood; enhances polyp size and color intensity
Aggression: Low to moderate; short sweeper tentacles but can cause localized stings if touching other corals
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast; grows steadily under consistent alkalinity and feeding routines
Care Level: Easy to intermediate – hardy and forgiving, ideal for both newcomers and experienced LPS enthusiasts
Compatibility: Peaceful; suitable for mixed reefs, though moderate spacing is recommended to avoid contact competition
