{"product_id":"gold-dotted-echinata-acanthastrea-echinata","title":"Gold Dotted Echinata - Acanthastrea echinata","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGold Dotted Echinata (Acanthastrea echinata)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGold Dotted Echinata is a striking LPS coral admired for its rich colour contrast, fleshy texture and distinctive dotted patterning. With its low-growing, encrusting form and bold appearance under reef lighting, it makes an attractive feature coral for lower rockwork or a carefully selected area where it has space to expand without touching neighbouring corals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGold Dotted Echinata, Echinata Coral, Acan Echinata, Acanthastrea Echinata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcanthastrea echinata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCoral Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLPS Coral\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Form:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEncrusting to mounding growth form with thick fleshy tissue over a hard skeletal structure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcanthastrea echinata occurs across Indo-Pacific reef environments, where it is typically found on reef slopes, lagoons and rocky reef structures with moderate lighting, indirect flow and stable reef conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 24–26°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSalinity: SG 1.024–1.026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlkalinity: 7–10 dKH\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCalcium: 400–450 ppm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMagnesium: 1250–1350 ppm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNitrate: Low but detectable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhosphate: Low but detectable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eLOW TO MEDIUM\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGold Dotted 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 introducing it to a new aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlow\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eLOW TO MEDIUM\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide 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, prevent natural expansion and contribute to tissue damage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlace on the sandbed or lower rockwork where the coral has a stable base and enough space around it. Avoid sharp rock edges pressing into the tissue and keep it well away from neighbouring corals, as Echinata corals can be highly territorial.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament \/ Aggression:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eAggressive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcanthastrea echinata can be very aggressive towards nearby corals and may extend strong feeding or sweeper filaments, particularly after dark. Provide generous spacing from delicate SPS, soft corals and less aggressive LPS corals to prevent stinging or tissue damage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003ePhotosynthetic, but benefits from feeding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGold Dotted Echinata receives energy from light through its symbiotic zooxanthellae, but occasional feeding can support tissue fullness, colour and growth. Suitable foods include small mysis, fine meaty coral foods, LPS pellets and powdered coral foods offered when feeding tentacles are visible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eSlow to moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 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 growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGold Dotted Echinata should be kept in a stable, mature reef aquarium with careful attention to spacing and water quality. Avoid sudden changes in lighting, salinity or alkalinity, and do not allow detritus to settle on the tissue. Inspect carefully before introduction and use coral dips where appropriate. Watch for tissue recession, excessive retraction or damaged edges, as stressed LPS corals can decline if exposed to poor flow, instability or direct contact with other corals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntermediate reefkeepers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePremium coral\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll 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.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Frag","offer_id":46817871757485,"sku":"AG-104074","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Colony","offer_id":46817871790253,"sku":"AG-104075","price":160.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/GoldDottedEchinata_Acanthastreaechinata.jpg?v=1783698286","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/gold-dotted-echinata-acanthastrea-echinata","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}