Orange Teal Claw Acan Lord Coral

About This Coral

The Orange Teal Claw Acan Lord Coral (Micromussa lordhowensis) is a stunning Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral prized for its brilliant orange and teal coloration, intricate claw-like patterns, and beautifully rounded, fleshy polyps. This striking color morph is a highly desirable addition to saltwater reef aquariums, offering a spectacular combination of vibrant colors, fascinating textures, and natural beauty.

The Orange Teal Claw Acan Lord features bold orange pigmentation contrasted against rich teal and blue-green hues, creating an eye-catching appearance reminiscent of intricate claw-shaped markings. Its fleshy polyps display distinctive patterns that become especially impressive under blue-spectrum reef lighting, where fluorescent pigments enhance the coral’s brilliant coloration.

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Acan Lord corals are among the most popular LPS corals in the reef aquarium hobby. Their adaptability, relatively forgiving care requirements, and spectacular color variations make them excellent choices for both beginning reef enthusiasts and experienced coral collectors.

As the Orange Teal Claw Acan Lord matures, it develops additional polyps around the edges of the existing colony. These new polyps gradually expand outward, forming a colorful arrangement of rounded, jewel-like heads. With stable water parameters and appropriate feeding, small fragments can develop into impressive colonies over time.

Unlike more demanding SPS corals, Acan Lords thrive under low to moderate lighting and gentle, indirect water movement. Their large, fleshy polyps expand beautifully under favorable conditions, creating a full, textured display that adds dimension and movement to the reef aquarium.

This photosynthetic coral receives much of its energy from symbiotic algae living within its tissues. However, Acan Lords are enthusiastic feeders, readily accepting small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, finely chopped marine foods, and specialized coral supplements. Occasional supplemental feeding can encourage healthy tissue development, improved coloration, and additional polyp growth.

Although relatively hardy, Acan Lords are considered semi-aggressive and should be provided with sufficient space from neighboring corals to prevent irritation or damage caused by direct contact.

Whether you’re building a colorful Acan garden, creating a vibrant mixed reef display, or searching for a distinctive collector’s coral, the Orange Teal Claw Acan Lord offers exceptional coloration, fascinating patterns, and rewarding long-term growth.

Features:

• Striking orange and teal coloration combines brilliant orange pigments with contrasting blue-green and teal highlights.
• Distinctive claw-like patterns create an intricate, eye-catching appearance across the coral’s fleshy polyps.
• Brilliant fluorescence under blue lighting enhances the vibrant colors and contrasting patterns.
• Large, rounded fleshy polyps expand to create a beautiful, textured coral colony.
• Highly desirable collector’s coral valued for its unusual coloration and distinctive ornamental appearance.
• Low to moderate lighting requirements make it suitable for lower and middle sections of established reef aquariums.
• Gentle, indirect water flow encourages full polyp expansion without damaging delicate coral tissue.
• Relatively beginner-friendly LPS coral with manageable care requirements in stable reef systems.
• Natural colony development produces additional polyps around the original colony as it grows.
• Photosynthetic nutrition supplies much of the coral’s energy through symbiotic algae.
• Excellent feeding response allows the coral to capture small meaty foods and specialized coral supplements.
• Supplemental feeding supports growth and encourages healthy tissue development and polyp production.
• Semi-aggressive temperament requires appropriate spacing from neighboring coral colonies.
• Adaptable to mixed reef aquariums when provided with stable water chemistry and proper placement.
• Excellent for Acan gardens where contrasting color varieties can create spectacular reef displays.
• Unique individual coloration and patterns make each Orange Teal Claw specimen a distinctive addition to a coral collection.

Specifications:

• Common name: Orange Teal Claw Acan Lord
• Scientific name: Micromussa lordhowensis
• Former scientific name: Acanthastrea lordhowensis
• Family: Lobophylliidae
• Coral type: LPS (Large Polyp Stony)
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Care level: Easy to Moderate
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Coloration: Orange, teal, and blue-green; coloration varies by specimen
• Light: Low to Moderate, approximately 50–150 PAR
• Water flow: Low to Moderate, indirect
• Placement: Lower to middle rockwork or sand bed
• Adult size: Colonies expand as additional polyps develop; size varies with age and growing conditions
• Growth rate: Slow to Moderate, depending on water conditions and feeding
• Diet: Photosynthetic; benefits from supplemental meaty foods
• Recommended foods: Mysis shrimp, finely chopped marine foods, and specialized LPS coral foods
• Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
• Nitrate: Approximately 2–15 ppm
• Phosphate: Approximately 0.03–0.10 ppm
• Reef compatibility: Yes, with adequate spacing
• Propagation: Fragging or natural development of additional polyps
• Recommended application: Acan coral gardens, mixed reef aquariums, LPS coral collections, and colorful reef displays

Feeding and Care Recommendations:

Place the Orange Teal Claw Acan Lord in the lower or middle section of your aquarium where it receives low to moderate lighting and gentle, indirect water movement. A starting light intensity of approximately 50–100 PAR is generally appropriate, with gradual adjustments based on the coral’s response.

Avoid positioning the coral directly beneath extremely intense LED lighting or in the direct path of powerful wavemakers. Excessive light can cause bleaching or fading, while strong water movement may prevent proper polyp expansion or damage delicate tissue.

Supplemental target feeding once or twice weekly with small portions of mysis shrimp, finely chopped marine foods, or specialized LPS coral food can help support healthy growth. Feed only what the coral can consume to prevent excessive nutrient accumulation.

Maintain several inches of spacing between the Acan Lord and neighboring corals, particularly aggressive LPS species with long sweeper tentacles.

Stable calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, salinity, and temperature are essential for maintaining healthy skeletal growth and vibrant coloration. Regular testing and consistent aquarium maintenance help provide favorable conditions for long-term success.

Important Coral Information:

Orange Teal Claw is a commercial trade name used to describe a particular Acan Lord color morph rather than a separate scientific species. The exact coloration, patterns, and fluorescence may vary between individual specimens and under different aquarium lighting conditions.

When introducing a new Acan Lord to an established reef aquarium, gradually acclimate it to the lighting and water conditions to minimize stress.

Recommended application: A vibrant, collectible LPS coral ideal for aquarists seeking brilliant orange and teal coloration, distinctive patterned polyps, and a spectacular addition to an established mixed reef aquarium or Acan coral garden.