Staghorn Coral

Staghorn Coral is one of the fastest-growing Acropora in the hobby — colonies can double in size in a year under ideal conditions, and the branching, antler-like structure is immediately recognizable as a reef-building icon. Top of the tank, maximum flow, maximum light — this is a surf zone coral that will underperform anywhere but the highest energy position in your system. Growth speed is its own liability: cervicornis grows so fast it can overgrow plugs, shade neighbors, and tip over under its own weight; frag and mount securely before it gets away from you. Feed regularly with zooplankton-sized foods to fuel the growth and keep dKH and calcium elevated slightly above base — it burns through both faster than most SPS you're used to running.