Why is my Acropora millepora losing its bright colour?

Colour loss, often termed 'browning out', usually results from insufficient lighting, elevated nutrients (such as nitrate or phosphate), or sudden shifts in water chemistry. Browning is the coral increasing its zooxanthellae density to compensate for a lack of light or excess nutrients.

What is the ideal lighting (PAR) for a Milli?

They thrive under high lighting conditions, generally requiring a PAR between 250 and 400 for optimal health and to maintain their brilliant colouration.

Why are the polyps on my coral not extending?

Poor polyp extension can indicate inadequate water flow, incorrect lighting, parameter instability (especially alkalinity swings), or the presence of pests like Acropora-eating flatworms (AEFW). Some fish nipping at the polyps will also cause them to retract.

How much flow does Acropora millepora need?

It requires very strong, chaotic, and random water flow. Linear flow directly blasted at the coral can damage its tissue, so gyres or wavemakers that create a turbulent environment are ideal to bring food to the polyps and carry away waste.

Can I place this coral close to others?

It requires adequate spacing. It grows quickly and can easily shade neighbours. Furthermore, it will sting competing corals that grow too close using its mesenterial filaments.

MarineCoralsAdvanced

Acropora Millepora

Acropora millepora

Acropora millepora, affectionately known as the 'Milli', is a highly sought-after Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral famous for its fuzzy appearance and vibrant colours.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 27 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
Salinity: 1.024 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 10 – 50 cm
Mature reef tank: 150 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 50 years
Diet: Photosynthetic; benefits from micro-plankton and amino acids
Water flow: High, random, and turbulent
Preferred setup: Mature SPS-dominated reef with stable calcium and alkalinity

About the Acropora Millepora

Characterised by its thick, tubular branches and densely packed radial corallites, this species is a vibrant staple in advanced reef aquariums. Its polyps are remarkably long and flowing, giving the coral a distinctly furry texture when fully extended. Available in a staggering array of hues from bright pinks and reds to deep greens and blues, it serves as a stunning centrepiece in any SPS-dominated display.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Acropora Millepora comes from

Native range

Indo-Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, Red Sea

Countries / regions

Australia, Indonesia, Fiji, Philippines

Habitat

Shallow, high-energy reef environments, often forming large stands on reef flats and upper slopes.

Widespread across the Indo-West Pacific, frequently encountered in shallow water subject to intense sunlight and strong currents.

Similar species

Acropora prostrata
Acropora prostrata
Acropora tenuis
Acropora tenuis
Acropora aspera
Acropora aspera

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

View all compatibility

Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Peaceful, reef-safe fish that will completely ignore SPS corals and add movement without altering water chemistry.
Great
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
An active herbivore that continuously grazes on nuisance algae, keeping the rockwork clean around the coral base.
Great
Yellow Clown Goby
Gobiodon okinawae
Often perches on or nests within the branches of Acropora, which can irritate the polyps and cause localized tissue recession.
Compatible with caution
Flame Angelfish
Centropyge loricula
Dwarf angelfish carry a risk of nipping at the fleshy polyps of SPS corals, though individuals vary greatly in behaviour.
Compatible with caution
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Chaetodon lunula
A known corallivore that will actively consume coral polyps, quickly decimating SPS colonies.
Not recommended

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