Orange Echinata (Acanthastrea echinata) Orange Echinata is a bold LPS coral admired for its warm orange colouration, fleshy texture and attractive encrusting growth. Its strong patterning and low-growing form make it an excellent choice for adding rich colour and contrast to the lower areas of a stable reef aquarium, especially when given enough space from neighbouring corals. Common Name:Orange Echinata, Echinata Coral, Acan Echinata, Acanthastrea Echinata Scientific Name (Latin):Acanthastrea echinata Coral Type:LPS Coral Growth Form:Encrusting to mounding growth form with fleshy tissue over a hard skeletal structure. Water Type:Marine Origin / Natural Habitat:Acanthastrea echinata corals are found across Indo-Pacific reef environments, typically growing on reef slopes, lagoons and rocky reef structures where they receive moderate light, indirect water movement and stable reef conditions. Water Parameters:Temperature: 24–26°CpH Range: 8.1–8.4Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026Alkalinity: 7–10 dKHCalcium: 400–450 ppmMagnesium: 1250–1350 ppmNitrate: Low but detectablePhosphate: Low but detectable Lighting:LOW TO MEDIUMOrange Echinata is best kept under low to medium reef lighting. It can adapt to brighter conditions over time, but sudden exposure to high intensity may cause paling, tissue stress or recession. Gradual light acclimation is recommended when introducing it to a new aquarium. Flow:LOW TO MEDIUMProvide gentle to moderate, indirect flow that keeps the coral surface clean without blasting the fleshy tissue. Strong direct flow should be avoided, as it can irritate the coral, prevent natural expansion and contribute to tissue damage. Placement:Place on the sandbed or lower rockwork where the coral has a stable base and enough space around it. Avoid sharp rock edges pressing into the tissue and keep it well away from neighbouring corals, as Echinata corals can be highly territorial. Temperament / Aggression:AggressiveAcanthastrea echinata can be very aggressive towards nearby corals and may extend strong feeding or sweeper filaments, particularly after dark. Provide generous spacing from delicate SPS, soft corals and less aggressive LPS corals to prevent stinging or tissue damage. Feeding:Photosynthetic, but benefits from feedingOrange Echinata receives energy from light through its symbiotic zooxanthellae, but occasional feeding can support tissue fullness, colour and growth. Suitable foods include small mysis, fine meaty coral foods, LPS pellets and powdered coral foods offered when feeding tentacles are visible. Growth Rate:Slow to moderateIn a stable reef aquarium, this coral usually grows steadily rather than quickly, gradually spreading across nearby surfaces and developing a fuller appearance. Consistent alkalinity, calcium and magnesium levels are important for healthy skeletal growth. Special Requirements or Care Notes:Orange Echinata should be kept in a mature, stable reef aquarium with careful attention to spacing and water quality. Avoid sudden changes in lighting, salinity or alkalinity, and do not allow detritus to settle on the tissue. Inspect carefully before introduction and use coral dips where appropriate. Watch for tissue recession, excessive retraction or damaged edges, as stressed LPS corals can decline if exposed to poor flow, instability or direct contact with other corals. Suitable for:Intermediate reefkeepers Availability:Regularly available in the coral trade All images are a visual representation of the coral you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns, colours and growth form will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.
