Blue Acropora Staghorn

The Blue Acropora Staghorn is one of the most eye-catching SPS corals you can add to a reef tank. Its branching growth and shimmering blue coloration make it a standout centerpiece for advanced reef keepers who love Acropora species.

Blue Acropora Staghorn Care Requirements

Success with Blue Acropora Staghorn starts with stable, clean water and strong lighting. This coral thrives in systems that closely mimic a natural reef environment.

  • Lighting: High PAR (250–400) under quality LED, T5, or metal halide lighting to maintain blue coloration.
  • Flow: Strong, random, and turbulent flow to keep detritus off the branches and ensure gas exchange.
  • Placement: Upper to mid-level rockwork where it can receive intense light and flow without shading neighbors.
  • Temperature: 76–79°F (24–26°C) with minimal daily swings.
  • Salinity: 1.025–1.026 specific gravity for long-term stability.

Consistent parameters are more important than chasing specific numbers. Aim for:

  • Alkalinity: 8–9.5 dKH
  • Calcium: 420–460 ppm
  • Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm
  • Nitrate: 2–10 ppm
  • Phosphate: 0.03–0.08 ppm

Tip: Test alkalinity at least 2–3 times per week on SPS-dominant systems. Sudden swings are one of the fastest ways to stress Blue Acropora Staghorn colonies.

Coloration, Growth, and Feeding

Healthy Blue Acropora Staghorn will develop tight, upward-reaching branches with vivid blue tips. Color can shift based on lighting spectrum and nutrient levels, so small adjustments over time are better than drastic changes.

  • Lighting spectrum: A strong blue-heavy spectrum (around 14–20K) often enhances the blue tones.
  • Nutrients: Ultra-low nutrients can cause pale tissue; slightly elevated but stable levels support deeper color.
  • Feeding: While primarily photosynthetic, it benefits from occasional broadcast feeding of fine particulate coral foods and amino acids.

Good polyp extension, encrusting at the base, and steady vertical growth are all signs your Blue Acropora Staghorn is thriving. If you notice tissue recession or browned-out branches, review lighting intensity, flow patterns, and stability of your water parameters.

Tank Mates, Space, and Long-Term Planning

Because this coral develops a wide branching structure, plan for its future size from day one. Give it room to grow upward and outward without stinging or shading nearby corals.

  • Avoid placing it too close to aggressive LPS corals with long sweeper tentacles.
  • Use alternating flow patterns to keep all sides of the colony well-oxygenated.
  • Choose peaceful reef-safe fish that won’t nip at polyps, such as many wrasses, anthias, and chromis.

If you are building an SPS-focused reef, the Blue Acropora Staghorn pairs beautifully with other Acropora, Montipora, and encrusting SPS species. For more SPS care ideas, check out our guides on Montipora coral care and planning a SPS-dominant reef tank. New reef keepers may also want to review our beginner reef tank setup article before attempting demanding species like this.

With patience, stable parameters, and strong lighting and flow, the Blue Acropora Staghorn can become the signature showpiece of your reef aquarium.