Acro Behavior?

[NanaReefer]

Why does my lil Acro show polyp extension only at night? Zero during lights on.

 

[loohunter]

That's when they feed. That's how they are in the wild also.

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[NanaReefer]

Figured as much. But I'm always seeing these awesome pictures with full polyp extension during lights on.

 

[loohunter]

They might feed first. I'm not really sure. I know millis are always fuzzy. You also might be able to train them by coral feeding during the day?

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[kevinpo]

Hello,
Corals extend their polyps mostly at night in the wild to prevent being eaten in combination with the greatest plankton concentration being available during darkness (for the same reason). Acropora corals will learn over a couple of years to extend their polyps during the day if you have no fish that nip corals. Also in the captive environment there is much less plankton available so the coral needs to extend their feeding hours. Additions of coral foods during daylight hours will help train the corals to extend their polyps during that time.

High PH (8.2-8.4) and very clean water also tend to bring out greater polyp extension in my experience.

Cheers,
Kevin

 

[NanaReefer]

Thank you for the replies & suggestions