Smooth Skin Acropora
Acropora tenuis
Also known as Tenuis Acro, Smooth Skin Acro, Corymbose Acropora, Acro
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–81°F (24–27°C)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 9.8 in (25 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 40 gal (150 L)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Breeding
- Hard
- Rarity
- Common
- Reef safe
- Reef safe
- Origin
- Widespread on shallow Indo-Pacific reef flats and slopes, from the Indian Ocean through the western Pacific.
- Family
- Acroporidae
Overview
This is an advanced small polyp stony coral that needs a mature, stable 150 liter or larger reef at least a year old, with strong light around 300 to 400 PAR and strong, turbulent flow. Hold tight parameters, with alkalinity around 8 to 9 dKH held steady, calcium near 420 to 450 ppm, magnesium around 1300 ppm, temperature 24 to 27 C, and pH 8.1 to 8.4. Aquacultured frags adapt better than wild colonies, so start with a captive-grown piece. It is peaceful toward tankmates but is easily stung by more aggressive corals, so give it clear space up in the light and flow.
In the wild
A branching small polyp stony coral that grows in a low, bushy corymbose shape with many short upright branches rising from a spreading base. The surface skin is smooth between the corallites, and the branch tips often glow a different color from the body, in blues, pinks, greens, and yellows. It is one of the most recognizable and sought-after Acropora forms. Colonies stay compact compared with the tall staghorn types.
Good to know
Acropora tenuis is a member of the family Acroporidae, the largest genus of reef-building corals. Its smooth skin marks it out from the fuzzy or hairy branch textures of other Acropora, and it is a common subject in coral restoration and captive breeding work. It grows fast in good conditions and hosts dense zooxanthellae.
Did you know
Smooth skin acros like tenuis are prized for tips that fluoresce a separate color from the branches, and aquacultured strains carry collector names that trade for a premium.
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Keeping Smooth Skin Acropora?
Track water tests, reminders and stocking fit.
Related species
Staghorn Acropora
Acropora9.8 in (25 cm)40 gal (150 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)
Table Acropora
Acropora hyacinthus17.7 in (45 cm)53 gal (200 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)Encrusting Montipora
Montipora confusa11.8 in (30 cm)26 gal (100 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)
Alveopora Coral
Alveopora7.9 in (20 cm)11 gal (40 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)
Montipora Digitata (Finger Coral)
Montipora digitata7.9 in (20 cm)20 gal (75 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)
Montipora Plating (Cap Coral)
Montipora capricornis7.9 in (20 cm)20 gal (75 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)