Ultra Lord Acan Coral | F#001 | WYSIWYG

Placement, Lighting & Flow

Ultra Lord Acan Coral (Micromussa lordhowensis) generally performs best under low to moderate reef lighting. A PAR range of approximately 50–150 can work well, but newly introduced specimens should begin toward the lower end of that range and be acclimated gradually.

This species is particularly responsive to changes in lighting intensity and spectrum. Excessive light can result in poor expansion, colour shifts or bleaching, while lower light often produces fuller polyp inflation and strong colour expression.

Provide low to moderate, indirect water movement. Flow should be strong enough to prevent detritus settling between the polyps without continuously pushing or deforming the fleshy tissue. A harsh direct jet should be avoided.

Feeding & Nutrition

Lord Acans are photosynthetic and receive a substantial proportion of their energy from their symbiotic algae, but supplemental feeding is highly beneficial.

Small portions of meaty food can be offered approximately once or twice per week. Suitable foods include mysis shrimp, finely chopped krill, enriched brine shrimp and appropriately sized LPS pellets.

Each polyp is capable of capturing food independently. Offer small portions rather than oversized pieces, and reduce water movement temporarily during feeding if necessary so the coral has time to capture the food.

Avoid overfeeding, particularly with dry foods. Excess food can become trapped within the colony and may negatively affect both the coral and overall water quality.

Compatibility & Spacing

Micromussa lordhowensis is moderately aggressive and capable of stinging neighbouring corals. Feeding and short sweeper tentacles may extend beyond the inflated polyps, especially after dark or when food is present.

Allow several centimetres of clear space around the colony and additional room for future growth. Avoid placing delicate SPS, peaceful LPS or soft corals directly against the colony.

Corals commonly sold under the broad “Acan” name are not necessarily the same species and should not automatically be assumed to be compatible on contact. Some true Acanthastrea species can be considerably more aggressive than Micromussa lordhowensis.

Growth & Behaviour

Micromussa lordhowensis forms a compact colony of fleshy individual polyps over a stony skeleton. New polyps generally develop around the perimeter of an established colony, gradually increasing its overall diameter.

Growth is typically slow. Stable conditions and occasional target feeding can improve growth, but this coral should be considered a long-term colony rather than a rapidly spreading LPS.

Healthy polyps should appear full and well inflated. Feeding tentacles may be visible during the evening or whenever food enters the water.

Acclimation & Introduction

After transport, begin with relatively low light and gentle to moderate indirect flow. Avoid immediately placing a newly arrived Lord Acan in a brightly illuminated part of the aquarium, even if its eventual position will receive stronger light.

Inspect the entire colony before introduction, including the underside, exposed skeleton and spaces between polyps. Look for tissue recession, physical damage, unwanted algae or pests.

A suitable coral dip and separate observation or quarantine period can reduce the risk of introducing unwanted organisms into the display aquarium. After introduction, allow the coral time to inflate and settle before making further placement changes.

Common Problems & Prevention

Lord Acans can suffer tissue damage from strong flow, abrasion against rockwork, aggressive neighbouring corals or rough handling. Damage that exposes the underlying skeleton can provide an opportunity for algae growth or further tissue recession.

Excessive light is another common problem. Poor expansion, paling or sudden colour changes can indicate that the coral is receiving more light than it can comfortably tolerate.

Detritus should not be allowed to collect between the polyps. Maintain enough circulation to keep the colony clean while avoiding direct forceful flow.

Signs of Stress

Temporary contraction following transport, feeding or handling is normal. Persistent deflation, substantial colour loss, bleaching, exposed skeleton or receding tissue warrant closer investigation.

Check lighting and flow first, followed by temperature, salinity and overall aquarium stability. Because Micromussa lordhowensis can respond strongly to lighting changes, avoid assuming that a colour shift automatically indicates disease.

Make adjustments gradually rather than changing several major environmental factors at the same time.

Handling & Fragging

Handle the coral by the frag plug or exposed skeleton whenever possible rather than touching the fleshy polyps. Inflated tissue can extend beyond the skeleton and is easily damaged by compression or abrasion.

Established colonies can be propagated by cutting through the skeleton between individual corallites using a suitable coral saw. Avoid cutting through healthy polyp tissue wherever possible.

Propagation is relatively slow because the species itself is slow growing. Newly cut pieces should be maintained under stable conditions with gentle indirect flow while the tissue recovers.

Wear gloves and eye protection when handling or fragging corals and clean equipment between colonies.

Who Is This Coral Best Suited For?

Ultra Lord Acan Coral is an excellent choice for reef keepers looking for a colourful, fleshy LPS coral that performs well in the lower areas of an established aquarium. Its strong feeding response, compact growth and highly variable colour patterns make it particularly effective in mixed reefs and dedicated LPS displays.