Purple and Cream Candy Cane Acanthastrea (Micromussa lordhowensis)

Purple and Cream Candy Cane Acanthastrea (Micromussa lordhowensis)

Deep magenta-red ridges are lifted by cream-white highlights on this two-headed Acan, each mouth centred in a vivid blue. Acan corals come in an enormous range of colour combinations, and this kind of clean contrast between body and centre tends to be sought after for exactly that reason.

Care basics

• Lighting: Low to moderate. Acans generally prefer the lower end.
• Flow: Low. Gentle, indirect flow is best.
• Water chemistry: Stable calcium, alkalinity and magnesium levels matter more than any single target number.
• Feeding: Not required, but will take fine meaty foods.
• Handling: Generally peaceful, but give it space from more aggressive neighbours.

A well-rested 2-head colony on a 2cm frag plug.