Acan Lord
Acanthastrea lordhewensis

Type: Large Polyp Stony
Family: Mussidae
Origin: Indo Pacific

Aquarium Needs:
Lighting: Acanthastrea Lordhowensis are a hermatypic/photosynthetic coral. They require moderate to high lighting. Power compact lighting may be used but ideally T-5 & Metal Halide fixtures will prove more beneficial.

Water Quality: Acanthastrea Lordhowensis are more tolerant of changes water quality making them an excellent coral for beginners. Though they are more tolerant, a stable environment is obviously better for the prolonged health & well being of these creatures. Due to the heavy feeding requirements, a strong protein skimmer is recommended. Activated carbon as well as items such as ozone generators can help as well.

Current: Acanthastrea Lordhowensis require medium to strong water movement. Excessive flow on the animal can cause polyp retraction or in worst-case polyp bailout (polyps actually detach from their skeleton).

Temperature: 74 – 82 degrees Fahrenheit

Temperament: Acanthastrea Lordhowensis are a more aggressive species. They may be kept close to other Acanthastrea Lordhowensis, but give plenty of room to other corals.

Supplemental Feeding: Acanthastrea Lordhowensis will readily accept feedings of minced meaty foods such as shrimp, mysis and squid. Though not regularly required, these feeding will also help growth. These animals also seem to react better to higher levels of magnesium 1250-1350ppm. Please test prior to the addition of any chemicals.

Frag Difficulty: The propagation of Acanthastrea Lordhowensis is very easy. They simply love to be cut. Wet tile saws, band saws and dremel tools may be used to make appropriate cuts. Simple agitation of the coral will cause the polyps to retract. At this point you may cut out the desired amount of polyps. The only concern is that depending on the cut, you don’t go to shallow and actually cut into the corallites. Once the frag is made, it can be left as is in the sand bed where it will grow its own calcium skeleton or affixed to a piece of live rock where it will encrust over the rock. The preferred and more desirable method due to accelerated growth is to attach the frag to live rock and let it encrust over.

Sailfin Tang, Desjardini
Zebrasoma desjardini

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, dKH 8-12
Max. Size: 1' 4"
Color Form: Black, Blue, White, Yellow
Diet: Herbivore
Origin: Maldives, Red Sea, Sri Lanka
Family: Acanthuridae

The Desjardini Sailfin Tang, also known as the Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang, Desjardin's Sailfin Tang, or Red Sea Sailfin Tang, is dark to very light gray in color with light freckles on the nose and yellow freckles on the abdomen. The body has several, varying sized vertical yellow stripes with intricate markings between the stripes at the face. It has a blue tail with white freckles. Its appearance can practically double in size at will by raising or lowering its sizable dorsal and anal fins.

A 125 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. It is aggressive towards its own species and conspecifics at times, but peaceful towards other fish, so keep only one except in a very large tank. It eats filamentous algae.

Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.

Please Note: The Small Juvenile form of the Desjardini Tang may not have spots on the fins or body and are very similar in appearance to a Sailfin Tang. However with age, the spots will develop as well as the bold striping on their fins and body.