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Acan Lord Coral

Acan lords ('acans') are collector LPS corals - fleshy, jewel-toned encrusting colonies in electric rainbow patterns, prized like zoanthids for their colour morphs.

🗓️ Last reviewed: July 2026

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Overview

Acan lords ('acans') are collector LPS corals - fleshy, jewel-toned encrusting colonies in electric rainbow patterns, prized like zoanthids for their colour morphs. They are hardy, love to eat, and grow into gem-like mats. (Micromussa lordhowensis, formerly Acanthastrea.)

Origin & Habitat

Indo-Pacific and Australian reefs, in lower-light, moderate-flow zones.

Appearance

Rows of fat, fleshy round polyps in vivid multicolour rings - greens, reds, oranges, blues - on an encrusting stony base.

Placement & Temperament

Mildly aggressive - acans can extend feeder/sweeper tentacles at night, so give a few centimetres between colonies. Otherwise reasonable community corals.

Tank & Water Conditions

Salinity 1.024-1.026, 24-27°C, stable alkalinity 8-11 dKH, calcium 400-450, magnesium 1300-1350.

Lighting & Flow

Low to moderate light (about 50-120 PAR) - too much bleaches the colours - and gentle flow.

Feeding

Strongly feeding-responsive; target-feed small meaty foods for fast growth and richer colour.

Health & Growth

Hardy and rewarding. Colours fade in too-bright light; keep them lower in the tank. Dip new frags for pests.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Spectacular collectible colours
Hardy and feeding-responsive
Grows into gem-like colonies

Cons

Mild night-time aggression
Colours bleach in strong light
Rare morphs get pricey

Acan Lord Coral - frequently asked questions

Why are my acan's colours fading?

Usually too much light. Acans keep their richest colour in lower light, placed down the rockwork or in shade. Feeding also deepens colour.

Do acans need feeding?

They photosynthesise, but they are enthusiastic eaters - regular target feeding of small meaty foods boosts growth and colour markedly.

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