Acanthophyllia

The crown jewel of LPS—Acanthophyllia is a showstopper in every reef it graces. With its massive fleshy body, mesmerizing swirl patterns, and deep, radiant colors ranging from blood red and electric green to watermelon and tie-dye blends, this coral is made to impress. This WYSIWYG specimen spans approximately 4–6 inches when fully inflated and is aquacultured for superior health and adaptation.

🧼 Acanthophyllia Coral Care Guide
About Acanthophyllia deshayesiana
Commonly known as the Meat Coral, Donut Coral, or Button Coral, Acanthophyllia is a large single-polyp LPS coral prized for its bold colors and incredible inflation. It’s peaceful, hardy, and thrives in stable, mature reef systems. Its slow growth and stunning visual appeal make it a collector’s must-have.

🌍 Origin
Native to sandy reef floors and gentle slopes throughout the Indo-Pacific. This coral is now widely aquacultured due to high demand and environmental protections.

💡 Lighting Requirements
Prefers lower to moderate light. High-intensity lighting may cause retraction or tissue stress. Start in a shaded zone and adjust slowly if needed.

Low Light: 30–60 PAR
Medium Light: 60–100 PAR
Best placement: shaded areas of the sandbed or low ledges.

🌊 Water Flow
Low, indirect flow is ideal. This allows the coral to expand fully without the risk of tissue damage. Excessive flow can cause deflation and irritation.

🍽️ Feeding
Though photosynthetic, Acanthophyllia greatly benefits from target feeding 2–3 times a week. Offer chunky meaty foods—like mysis, krill, or clam bits—at night or when its feeder tentacles are extended.

🌱 Propagation
Acanthophyllia is a single-polyp coral and cannot be fragged in the traditional sense. Propagation is done through careful natural reproduction in aquaculture systems.

🔄 Acclimation
Use a slow drip acclimation process over 60 minutes. This coral is sensitive to swings in salinity, temperature, and pH—so consistency is key.

⚠️ Placement Tip:
Place on a soft sandbed away from sharp rock edges. This coral inflates significantly and can be damaged by rough surfaces. Keep it isolated from aggressive neighbors.

🌈 Why It’s Special:
Each Acanthophyllia is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. No two look alike—making it not just a coral, but a true living gem in your reef.