021 WYSWIYG Blue Bottlebrush Acropora

021 – Blue Bottlebrush Acropora
Scientific Name: Acropora sp. (Bottlebrush morph)
Type: SPS Coral (Branching Acropora)

Overview

This WYSIWYG frag of Blue Bottlebrush Acropora features a dense, compact branch structure with luminous blue-violet tips and a muted turquoise base. The coral displays tight polyp formation and short, spiked branchlets—characteristic of the bottlebrush growth pattern. Under blue-spectrum reef lighting, the tips glow with electric clarity, making it a standout piece for high-energy reef zones.

Bottlebrush Acropora are prized by SPS collectors for their unique structure and layering potential in mature reef aquascapes. This frag is healthy, healed, and already showing vertical growth, making it an ideal candidate for encrusting and branching upward in the right conditions.

Care Requirements

Lighting:
High intensity required. Target PAR 300–400+ for best coloration and tip development. Blue and violet spectrums enhance fluorescence and growth form.

Water Flow:
High, random turbulent flow is essential. Laminar flow should be avoided. Strong flow helps prevent detritus accumulation and supports polyp extension and tissue respiration.

Placement:
Top third of the tank or elevated rock shelves. Mount securely with gel glue or epoxy. Avoid shading from neighboring colonies to preserve symmetrical growth.

Feeding:
Photosynthetic but benefits from occasional dosing of amino acids or powdered coral foods. Feeding can support deeper color development and recovery from stress.

Aggression Level:
Peaceful. Does not possess long sweeper tentacles, but like all Acropora, it is sensitive to allelopathic chemical interactions. Keep clear of aggressive softies or LPS.

Growth Rate:
Moderate once established. Will encrust before vertical branching begins. With stability, growth can accelerate seasonally depending on system maturity.

Difficulty:
Advanced. Best kept in systems with tightly maintained alkalinity, calcium, and nutrient balance. Requires mature reef conditions.

Additional Notes

This frag of Blue Bottlebrush Acropora is a high-contrast showpiece for SPS-focused aquascapes. It performs best in systems with consistent export methods (skimming, UV, reactors) and low but detectable nutrient levels. A strong candidate for upper-tier reefers looking to add textural variety and high-definition color.

Due to its compact structure and dense polyp coverage, this Acropora can develop into a symmetrical, domed colony with striking terminal growths—making it ideal for SPS walls, ledges, or as a centerpiece in bottlebrush-specific sections.