Super Mario Bowerbanki

About this coral

The Super Mario Bowerbanki is a large polyp stony coral prized for its chunky, fleshy polyps and vivid coloration. This colorful LPS coral works well as a centerpiece specimen in reef aquariums, displaying striking color patterns and extending impressive tentacles during daylight hours. Bowerbanki corals rely on both photosynthesis and supplemental feeding for optimal health and growth.

Features:

• Large fleshy polyps with thick skeletal ridges, larger than other Acanthastrea species
• Slow-growing colony suitable for stable mixed reefs, typically doubling in size over 1–2 years with proper care
• Responds enthusiastically to target feeding with mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or coral pellets 2–3 times weekly
• Extends strong sweeper tentacles at night for feeding defense; requires 2–5 inches spacing from neighboring corals to prevent damage
• Semi-aggressive temperament; pairs well with peaceful reef fish such as clownfish, gobies, and wrasses
• Displays vivid coloration under moderate lighting and benefits from gradual acclimation to prevent bleaching

Specifications:

• Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate; requires stable water chemistry and moderate reef knowledge
• Lighting: Low to moderate indirect lighting; 100–150 PAR recommended for optimal coloration and health
• Water Flow: Low to moderate indirect flow; gentle currents prevent tissue damage and allow polyp extension and feeding response
• Placement: Lower to middle areas of the aquarium with sufficient space for polyp expansion
• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
• Magnesium: 1,280–1,500 ppm
• Diet: Mixotrophic; photosynthetic zooxanthellae and target feeding with mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and coral pellets