Orange Streaked Acan Echinata

Orange Streaked Acan Echinata, Acanthastrea echinata, is a fleshy stony coral known for its broad encrusting growth, closely packed corallites, and dramatic fluorescent coloration. This specimen displays an intense green base with darker olive to brownish-green shading and vivid orange streaks running through portions of the colony.

The colony has a low, encrusting growth form with fleshy corallites that create a heavily textured surface. Bright green tissue dominates the specimen, while orange streaks and patches provide strong contrast and give the coral the distinctive appearance reflected in its name. Subtle darker areas add additional depth across the colony under reef aquarium lighting.

Acanthastrea echinata contains symbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates that provide much of its nutritional energy. Its fleshy polyps can also capture appropriately sized plankton and meaty marine foods. With stable aquarium conditions, the colony can gradually expand outward across surrounding rockwork.

Care Guide:

Scientific Name: Acanthastrea echinata
Care Level: Moderate
Lighting: Low to Moderate
Water Flow: Low to Moderate, indirect flow
Placement: Lower to middle areas of the aquarium depending on lighting intensity
Temperament: Aggressive; provide adequate space from neighboring corals
Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic; may also benefit from occasional targeted feeding with appropriately sized planktonic or finely chopped marine foods
Growth Form: Fleshy encrusting colony with closely packed corallites
Water Parameters: Maintain stable reef aquarium temperature and salinity along with consistent alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium. Keep nitrate and phosphate measurable and reasonably stable rather than excessively low.
Special Considerations: Avoid strong direct flow that can irritate or damage the fleshy tissue. Gradually acclimate to brighter lighting and provide ample space from neighboring corals because Acanthastrea echinata can be aggressive toward nearby colonies.