Gold Dotted Echinata (Acanthastrea echinata)

Gold 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.

Common Name:
Gold Dotted Echinata, Echinata Coral, Acan Echinata, Acanthastrea Echinata

Scientific Name (Latin):
Acanthastrea echinata

Coral Type:
LPS Coral

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

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Acanthastrea 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.

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
Gold 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.

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, prevent natural expansion and contribute to tissue damage.

Placement:
Place 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.

Temperament / Aggression:
Aggressive
Acanthastrea 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.

Feeding:
Photosynthetic, but benefits from feeding
Gold 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.

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 growth.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Gold 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.

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.

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