Cool Runnings Echinata - Acanthastrea echinata

Cool Runnings Echinata (Acanthastrea echinata)

Cool Runnings Echinata is a bold LPS coral valued for its intense colouration, fleshy texture and attractive encrusting growth. With its strong patterning and compact, low-growing form, it makes an excellent feature coral for lower rockwork or a carefully chosen area of the reef where it can develop without being crowded by neighbouring corals.

Common Name:
Cool Runnings Echinata, Echinata Coral, Acan Echinata, Acanthastrea Echinata

Scientific Name (Latin):
Acanthastrea echinata

Coral Type:
LPS Coral

Growth Form:
Encrusting to mounding growth form with fleshy tissue over a hard skeletal structure.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Acanthastrea echinata corals are found across Indo-Pacific reef environments, typically growing on reef slopes, lagoons and rocky reef structures where they receive moderate light, indirect flow and stable reef conditions.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Alkalinity: 7–10 dKH
Calcium: 400–450 ppm
Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
Nitrate: Low but detectable
Phosphate: Low but detectable

Lighting:
LOW TO MEDIUM
Cool Runnings Echinata is best kept under low to medium reef lighting. It can adapt to brighter conditions over time, but sudden exposure to high intensity may cause paling, tissue stress or recession. Gradual light acclimation is recommended when placing it into a new aquarium.

Flow:
LOW TO MEDIUM
Provide gentle to moderate, indirect flow that keeps the coral surface clean without blasting the fleshy tissue. Strong direct flow should be avoided, as it can irritate the coral and prevent natural expansion.

Placement:
Place on the sandbed or lower rockwork where the coral has a stable base and space to grow. Avoid sharp rock edges pressing into the tissue and allow generous spacing from neighbouring corals, as Echinata corals can be highly territorial.

Temperament / Aggression:
Aggressive
Acanthastrea echinata can be very aggressive towards nearby corals and may extend strong sweeper tentacles, especially after dark. Provide plenty of space around the coral and avoid placing it close to delicate SPS, soft corals or less aggressive LPS species.

Feeding:
Photosynthetic, but benefits from feeding
Cool Runnings Echinata receives energy from light through its symbiotic zooxanthellae, but occasional feeding can support colour, tissue fullness and growth. Suitable foods include small mysis, fine meaty coral foods, LPS pellets and powdered coral foods offered when feeding tentacles are visible.

Growth Rate:
Slow to moderate
In a stable reef aquarium, this coral usually grows steadily rather than quickly, gradually spreading across nearby surfaces and developing a fuller appearance. Consistent alkalinity, calcium and magnesium levels are important for healthy skeletal development.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Cool Runnings Echinata should be given space, stable parameters and protection from sudden lighting or flow changes. Avoid placing it where detritus can settle on the tissue, and keep it away from aggressive neighbours that may cause damage. Inspect carefully before introduction and use coral dips where appropriate. Watch for tissue recession, excessive retraction or damaged edges, as LPS corals can decline if stressed by instability, poor flow or direct contact with other corals.

Suitable for:
Intermediate reefkeepers

Availability:
Premium coral

All images are a visual representation of the coral you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns, colours and growth form will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.