Ultra Acan – Micromussa lordhowensis (WYSIWYG)

The Ultra Acan (Micromussa lordhowensis), commonly referred to in the reef hobby as an Acan Lord, is a colorful LPS coral prized for its fleshy polyps, pronounced texture, and impressive range of coloration. Individual polyps can display combinations of reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, and purples, with the exact color pattern varying from specimen to specimen. Under blue-heavy reef lighting, fluorescent pigments can become especially pronounced, bringing out additional contrast between the polyps.

Micromussa lordhowensis grows by producing new polyps around the edges of the existing colony, gradually forming a compact, multi-polyp colony. When fully extended, the fleshy polyps give the coral a soft, rounded appearance with gentle movement in the aquarium flow. As a WYSIWYG specimen, the exact coral pictured is the coral you will receive, including its current size, coloration, polyp count, and development.

Recommended Care

• Scientific Name: Micromussa lordhowensis
• Common Name: Acan Lord, Acan Coral, Ultra Acan
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate
• Lighting: Low to Moderate, approximately 50–120 PAR
• Water Flow: Low to Moderate — gentle, indirect flow that allows the polyps to expand naturally
• Placement: Lower to Middle aquarium
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
• Growth Form: Fleshy, multi-polyp colony; expands through budding
• Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic; supplemental feeding is highly beneficial

Placement & Flow

Place the Ultra Acan on a stable area of rockwork or the sand bed, leaving sufficient room around the colony for its fleshy tissue to expand. Avoid placing it directly beneath intense lighting or where a powerful pump can continuously blast the polyps.

Gentle to moderate, indirect flow is ideal. The polyps should be able to open fully and move naturally in the current without being forced into a constant closed or flattened position. Good circulation also helps prevent debris from settling on the coral.

Allow adequate spacing from neighboring corals. Although Micromussa does not have the aggressive reach of some large-polyp stony corals, its feeding tentacles can extend beyond the normal daytime polyp size. Preventing direct contact with neighboring corals is the safest approach.

Lighting

Ultra Acan generally performs well under 50–120 PAR. Moderate lighting is usually sufficient for healthy tissue, coloration, and growth, and extremely high light levels are unnecessary.

When introducing a WYSIWYG specimen, begin toward the lower end of the recommended range if its previous lighting conditions are unknown. Gradually acclimate the coral to stronger lighting rather than placing it immediately under high-intensity illumination.

Blue-heavy reef lighting can enhance fluorescent pigments and make the coral's colors appear more vivid, while a balanced spectrum will provide a more natural representation of its overall coloration.

Feeding

Micromussa lordhowensis is photosynthetic, receiving a significant portion of its energy from symbiotic algae, but it is also an effective active feeder. Supplemental feeding can provide valuable nutrition and may support continued polyp development and growth.

When the polyps are fully extended, offer appropriately sized foods such as mysis shrimp, finely chopped marine seafood, small zooplankton-based foods, or quality LPS coral foods. Direct feeding individual polyps once or twice per week can be beneficial, particularly in nutrient-controlled aquariums.

Avoid offering pieces that are too large for the polyps to comfortably consume, and allow sufficient circulation after feeding to distribute nutrients throughout the aquarium.

Ultra Acan (Micromussa lordhowensis) is an excellent choice for reef keepers and coral collectors looking for a colorful, fleshy LPS with exceptional polyp detail and the potential to develop into a beautiful multi-polyp colony. This WYSIWYG specimen lets you purchase the exact coral shown, making it a great addition to an LPS collection or established mixed reef.