Astreopora myriophthalma

Astreopora myriophthalma is a stony coral from the same family as Acropora that builds hemispherical or boulder-like massive colonies. Its surface is covered with evenly spaced, cone-shaped corallites, each with a round, outward-facing opening. Its color can be cream, yellow or bluish brown, and is often mottled. It is a common species in the wild but is seen rarely in the trade. Trade in stony corals is subject to CITES Appendix II; if you can find one, choose an aquacultured frag.

• Light: Moderate light; roughly 100–250 PAR. In the wild this genus is found on lower slopes with less light than most SPS.
• Flow: Moderate to strong, random flow. If flow is weak, detritus builds up between the corallites and the tissue recedes from the base; for this species flow matters more than light.
• Placement: An exposed rock in the lower third of the rockwork.
• Water parameters: Salinity 1.025–1.026, KH 7–9 dKH, calcium 400–450 mg/L, magnesium 1250–1400 mg/L, nitrate 2–10 mg/L, phosphate 0.02–0.08 mg/L.

It is photosynthetic; it gets most of its energy from zooxanthellae algae and does not need large meaty foods. Phytoplankton or fine SPS foods can be given occasionally.

It is considered peaceful; no notable aggression toward its neighbors is known. Because it can be harmed by long-tentacled LPS, leave 10 cm of space. Dwarf angelfish and butterflyfish may pick at the polyps.