Micromussa and Acan Coral Care Guide
Micromussa corals, including the hugely popular Acan Lords, are some of the most colorful LPS corals in the hobby. Their fleshy, multicolored heads come in nearly every color combination, and they're hardy enough for many intermediate reefers.
Micromussa vs. Acan: what's the difference?
The coral long sold as "Acanthastrea lordhowensis" (Acan Lord) was reclassified in 2016 and is now Micromussa lordhowensis. Many reefers and stores still call it an Acan, so you'll see both names. Micromussa amakusensis is another popular species with smaller, tightly packed heads.
Quick care summary
| Care need | Micromussa |
|---|---|
| Care level | Easy to moderate |
| Lighting | Low to moderate, about 50 to 150 PAR |
| Flow | Low to moderate |
| Placement | Sand bed or lower rockwork |
| Feeding | Eager feeder; benefits from regular target feeding |
| Aggression | Moderate; extends sweeper tentacles at night |
Lighting
Micromussa prefers low to moderate light, roughly 50 to 150 PAR. Lower light often brings out the richest colors. Too much light can wash out colors or cause the tissue to shrink back. Start low and adjust based on how the colony looks.
Water flow
Low to moderate, indirect flow is ideal. It should keep detritus off the heads without stripping the tissue. Strong flow can prevent the coral from extending its feeding tentacles.
Placement
Place Micromussa on the sand bed or lower rockwork. At night, they extend sweeper tentacles that can sting nearby corals, so leave a few inches of space around the colony.
Feeding
Micromussa are eager eaters. In the evening, they extend feeding tentacles from each mouth. Target feed with reef roe, mysis or other small meaty foods once or twice a week with your pumps turned down. Regular feeding helps colonies fill out and add heads faster. Shop our fish and coral food, and see How to Feed Your Corals.
Water parameters
Keep alkalinity steady between 7 and 11 dKH and calcium at 400 to 450 ppm. Micromussa are fairly forgiving of nutrient levels, and detectable nitrate and phosphate support strong color and growth. See our reef tank water parameters guide.
Growth and fragging
Colonies grow by adding new heads along the edges. To frag, cut between heads at the skeleton with a saw or bone cutters, keeping each head's tissue intact. See our Coral Fragging 101 guide.
Warning signs
- Tissue receding from the edges: check alkalinity stability and nearby corals that may be stinging it.
- Fading color: often too much light.
- Heads deflating for days: check flow, recent changes and pests.
Browse our Micromussa collection and Acan collection.