Moons of Jupiter Acropora: The Multicolored Bottlebrush

The Moons of Jupiter Acropora (Acropora species, often identified as a variety of A. subulata or A. loripes) is a highly prized and distinctive Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral in the collector market. This strain is famous for its multicolored complexity, displaying a vibrant mix of fluorescent colors simultaneously, often including a deep purple or metallic blue base with contrasting bright yellow, green, or gold polyps and growth tips.

The name "Moons of Jupiter" alludes to the circular, multicolored polyps resembling celestial bodies against a dark background. This coral typically grows in a bottlebrush or dense branching morphology. Achieving and maintaining its intense, varied coloration requires precise control over lighting spectrum (usually emphasizing blue light) and keeping nutrient levels near undetectable (ULNS).

The Moons of Jupiter Acropora is an Expert-Only coral. It requires a highly mature and stable reef system, as it is extremely intolerant of fluctuations in alkalinity and can quickly lose its vibrant color (brown out) if water quality declines.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic. It relies heavily on energy produced by its symbiotic zooxanthellae algae, thriving under strong light intensity.
• Feeding: Supplemental feeding is strongly recommended to support its demanding coloration and growth, especially in ultra-low nutrient systems. Target feed the polyps 2-3 times per week with high-quality, fine particulate foods, such as amino acid solutions, cyclops, or commercial coral powders.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe but fiercely Territorial. Like all Acropora species, it is chemically and physically aggressive toward its neighbors. It requires ample separation, ideally 6-8 inches or more of clearance from all other corals to avoid damage from stinging filaments.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, but Highly Aggressive/Territorial toward other corals. It should be positioned in the middle to upper region of the aquarium to maximize light and ensure strong, chaotic water flow.
• Water Requirements: Requires zero tolerance for instability. The tank must be mature with ultra-low nutrient levels (Nitrate < 5 ppm, Phosphate < 0.05 ppm). Critical parameters: Alkalinity (dKH 8.0-9.0), Calcium (420-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1300-1400 ppm). Demands very intense, high-PAR lighting (PAR 350-550+) to drive color production.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Acropora sp. (Likely a variant of A. subulata or A. loripes)
• Primary Common Name: Moons of Jupiter Acropora
• Other Common Names: Multicolored Bottlebrush Acro, Jupiter Acro
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can grow into large, dense colonies (8-12+ inches)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Aggressive/Territorial toward other corals)
• Diet: Photosynthetic (Zooxanthellate; benefits from plankton/aminos)
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 Gallons (Established, dedicated SPS reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes, but requires expert-level spacing and stability.
• Care Level: Expert Only