Ice Tip Acropora (Acropora sp.)
The Ice Tip Acropora is a striking SPS coral, known for its textured branching structure and contrasting lighter growth tips, giving it a crisp, “frosted” appearance under reef lighting.
 
Key Information
Type: SPS Coral
Care Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Lighting: High
Flow: Medium to High
Placement: Upper reef
 
Description
This Acropora forms upright branches covered in dense radial corallites, creating a rough, bottlebrush-like texture. The defining feature is its lighter, almost glowing tips which stand out against the deeper base colour under blue lighting.
As it matures, it develops into a structured, multi-branch colony, adding height and contrast to SPS-dominated reef systems.
 
Water Parameters
Temperature: 24–26°C
Salinity: 1.025
Alkalinity: 7.5–9 dKH
Calcium: 400–450 ppm
 
Feeding
Primarily photosynthetic, but benefits from:
Amino acids
Fine particulate coral foods
Occasional broadcast feeding
 
Compatibility
Reef safe
Requires space from neighbouring corals due to growth and competition
 
Notes
Best suited to established reef aquariums with stable parameters. Like most Acropora, it is sensitive to fluctuations but will reward good husbandry with steady growth and strong polyp extension.
 
Photography Notes
Photo taken using an iPhone with a macro lens under approximately 30% blue lighting (Reef Bar).