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Lesser Tri Colour Acan Echinata
£25.00
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£25.00
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Lesser Tri Colour Acan Echinata Coral
The Lesser Tri Colour Acan Echinata offers classic Acan appeal with attractive multi-tone colouration in a more understated, reef-friendly presentation. Featuring a blend of complementary hues across fleshy, well-defined polyps, this coral provides excellent visual interest without overwhelming surrounding pieces — ideal for balanced mixed reefs or LPS-dominant displays.
Reliable, hardy, and highly responsive to feeding, Lesser Tri Colour Acan Echinata is a solid choice for reef keepers who appreciate layered colour and dependable growth.
Natural Habitat & Distribution
Acan Echinata corals originate from the Indo-Pacific region, with natural populations found across:
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Indonesia
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Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
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Papua New Guinea
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Fiji and surrounding Pacific islands
In the wild, they are commonly found on reef slopes and lower reef zones where lighting is moderate and water movement is gentle.
A Brief History
Acan corals have been long-standing favourites in the reef hobby due to their bold polyp structure, strong feeding response, and manageable care requirements. Multi-colour varieties, including tri-colour morphs, became especially popular as aquarists sought corals that offered depth and variation rather than single-tone colour blocks.
“Lesser” tri-colour varieties remain popular for their consistency and value while still delivering classic Acan character.
Appearance & Growth
Classified as an LPS (Large Polyp Stony) coral, Lesser Tri Colour Acan Echinata features:
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Multiple complementary colour tones across each polyp
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Thick, fleshy tissue with clear skeletal definition
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Subtle to moderate fluorescence under blue lighting
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Compact, mound-forming growth
Growth is moderate, with new polyps developing steadily under stable conditions.
Placement & Lighting
Acan Echinata prefer lower to moderate lighting conditions.
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Lighting: Low–Medium
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Best placed on the sand bed or lower rockwork
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Excessive lighting may cause colour fading or reduced expansion
Light acclimation is recommended when adjusting placement.
Flow Requirements
Provide low to moderate, indirect flow.
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Enough movement to keep detritus from settling
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Avoid strong or direct flow which can damage fleshy tissue
A gentle, consistent flow pattern works best.
Water Chemistry
Stable water parameters are essential for long-term success.
Maintain consistent levels of:
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Alkalinity
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Calcium
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Magnesium
Acan Echinata perform best in systems with low to moderate nutrients rather than ultra-low nutrient environments.
Feeding
Acan corals are excellent feeders and benefit greatly from regular target feeding.
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Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped seafood
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LPS pellets and coral-specific meaty foods
Feed 1–2 times per week when feeding tentacles are visible, ideally during lower light periods.
Temperament & Spacing
Acan Echinata are semi-aggressive and possess a noticeable sting.
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Allow space from neighbouring corals
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Avoid placement near delicate species
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Ensure tissue does not contact rockwork
Frag Size & Natural Variation
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Frag size: Typically multi-polyp frag (unless otherwise stated)
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Colour balance and intensity may vary depending on lighting, nutrients, and tank conditions.
Care Summary
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Care Level: Moderate
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Flow: Low–Medium
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Lighting: Low–Medium
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Temperament: Semi-aggressive
🪸 Coral Care Guide
Care Level
Moderate
Lighting
Medium
Water Flow
Moderate, indirect flow.
Placement
Lower to middle areas of the aquarium.
Temperament
Peaceful.
Growth Rate
Moderate, with gradual skeletal growth and increasing polyp density over time.
Frag Size
Typically supplied as a multi-polyp frag unless otherwise stated.
💧 Water Parameters
Purple Goniopora thrive in stable reef aquariums with consistent water chemistry.
Recommended Parameters
- Stable Alkalinity
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Stable Nitrate & Phosphate levels
- Trace elements including iodine and iron are beneficial.
Avoid ultra-low nutrient systems, as Goniopora generally perform best in mature, nutrient-balanced aquariums.
🍤 Feeding & Nutrition
Purple Goniopora benefit from regular supplemental feeding to encourage long-term health, vibrant colour and strong polyp extension.
Recommended Foods
- Fine powdered coral foods
- Phytoplankton
- Micro-plankton blends
- Small particulate coral foods
Feeding Frequency
Feed lightly but consistently 2–3 times per week.
🌊 Placement & Acclimation
Purple Goniopora appreciate thoughtful placement and a gentle introduction to your aquarium.
Placement
- Lower to middle areas of the aquarium.
- Allow plenty of space for full polyp extension.
- Avoid direct contact with aggressive or stinging corals.
- Prevent polyps from rubbing against rockwork.
Lighting
Medium lighting is recommended.
Too much light may cause the coral to retract, while insufficient lighting can reduce extension.
Light acclimation is recommended whenever introducing a new specimen.
Water Flow
Provide moderate, indirect flow that keeps the polyps gently swaying.
Avoid strong, direct flow, which may prevent full extension.
Random, alternating flow patterns generally produce the best results.
🌍 Natural Habitat
Purple Goniopora originate from the Indo-Pacific region and are commonly found throughout:
- Indonesia
- Australia's Great Barrier Reef
- Fiji
- Tonga
- Papua New Guinea
- Central and Western Pacific reef systems
In the wild they inhabit sheltered lagoon environments and protected reef zones with moderate lighting, gentle water movement and nutrient-rich conditions.
Once considered difficult to keep, advances in modern reef keeping—including improved lighting, flow control and nutrition—have made healthy, aquacultured Goniopora far more reliable long-term additions to today's reef aquariums.
⭐ ReefGro Expert Advice
Purple Goniopora is one of our favourite LPS corals thanks to its elegant movement and rich purple colouration.
When fully extended, hundreds of delicate tentacles create constant movement that contrasts beautifully with SPS colonies and other fleshy LPS corals, making it an excellent centrepiece for mixed reef aquariums.
For the best results:
- Introduce the coral slowly using light acclimation.
- Maintain stable water chemistry.
- Feed regularly with fine particulate foods.
- Avoid placing it where neighbouring corals can sting the extended polyps.
- Be patient during acclimation—healthy Goniopora often become more fully extended as they settle into stable conditions.
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