ORA Raspberry Granulosa Coral

Quick facts

Handling caution: Can inflict mild skin irritation from sharp skeleton edges; use gloves when fragging

Identity

Also known as

Skyline Acropora; Granulosa Acropora

Synonyms

Madrepora granulosa

Environment

Saltwater

Native to

Indo-Pacific, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Western and Central Pacific

Habitat

Deeper or sheltered reef slopes with calmer, moderate water movement

Sourcing

Aquacultured

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Difficult

Coral type

SPS

Temperament

Peaceful

Growth form

Branching

Adult size

1.5 – 12 in (3.8 – 30 cm)

Spread

18 in (46 cm)

Growth rate

Moderate

Placement

High

Water

Temperature

76 – 80 °F (24 – 27 °C)

pH

8.1 – 8.4

dKH

8 – 12 dKH

Salinity

1.025 – 1.026 SG

PAR

150 – 350 PAR

Flow

High

Light

High

Reef care

Nutrient preference

Low

Alk/Ca uptake

High

Target feeding

Beneficial

Give it room

6 in (15 cm)

Colors

Green, Purple, Blue, Pink

Feeding & breeding

Diet

Photosynthetic

Foods

Coral food, Zooplankton, Phytoplankton

Propagation

Fragging

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Care guide

Overview

Branches start clustered and low, no more than a couple inches across at first, then spread outward into a tabling colony reaching up to 18 inches. Coloration shifts from purple-pink under intense light to deeper green under moderate light, and it demands strong, irregular flow with stable parameters.

Care

This Acropora forms tight, smooth-branched colonies that can develop a tabling shape as they mature, distinguishing it from the more angular growth typical of many other Acropora species. It requires an established, mature reef system with rock-solid and stable calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels, since fluctuations are the most common cause of tissue loss or bleaching. Placement high in the tank under strong, moderate to high intensity lighting combined with vigorous, alternating flow gives the best growth rate and coloration.

Placement & acclimation

Acclimate new frags to lighting gradually, starting lower in the tank or under shaded conditions before moving them up to the intended high-light position over one to two weeks. Mount frags securely on rock or a frag plug using coral glue or epoxy, cleaning the attachment point of any biofilm or algae first for a solid bond. Position with strong, ideally alternating or irregular flow to prevent detritus from settling on the branches.

Feeding

Most of its energy comes from photosynthesis carried out by zooxanthellae housed in its tissue, so consistent, appropriately intense lighting is more important than direct feeding. Supplemental dosing of fine zooplankton, phytoplankton, or amino acid based coral foods can enhance polyp extension and coloration but is not required for survival. Nutrient levels should be kept low but measurable, since Acropora species tend to decline in either nutrient-starved or overly nutrient-rich water.

Neighbors

Keep this coral spaced well away from other stony corals and any species with long sweeper tentacles, since Acropora tissue is easily damaged by neighboring stings. Fish or invertebrates that nip at coral tissue, such as certain butterflyfish or some angelfish, should be avoided in the same system. Give adequate clearance around the colony to account for its eventual outward branching or tabling growth.

Fragging

Fragging is done by cutting healthy branch tips with bone cutters or a coral saw, then mounting the fragments onto plugs or rock with cyanoacrylate glue or epoxy putty. Fragging is best performed on a well-established, actively growing colony to minimize stress and improve fragment survival. Allow cut edges to heal over before handling frags further or moving them to different flow or light conditions.

Pests & problems

Rapid shifts in alkalinity, salinity, temperature, or nutrient levels are the most frequent cause of tissue recession or bleaching in this species. Brown jelly infection and Acropora-eating flatworms or red bugs are potential pest problems that should be checked for regularly, especially on newly acquired frags. Any loss of water flow around the colony for an extended period can quickly stress the tissue and lead to necrosis.

Sources

1. ORA Skyline Granulosa Coral - Bulk Reef Supply
2. Acropora granulosa – Korallen-Steckbrief | Toms Korallen
3. Acropora granulosa (Acropora granulosa) - The Aquarium Wiki
4. Acropora Granulosa | Doc Aquarium

Varieties in the catalog

ORA Skyline Granulosa Coral

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