Elkhorn Coral

VSVP bet · Mar 22, 2018

I stumbled upon something called an elkhorn montipora the other day. At first I was confused, I thought elkhorn coral was in the family of Acropora. Upon further research, I found the 'elkhorn monti' was a species of montipora I was unfamiliar with (montipora hirsuta). My question is, has anyone ever kept true elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata), I know its endangered, but if it has been aquacultured couldn't it exist somewhere in the hobby? Second, does anyone know much about Montipora hirsuta? I couldn't find much information about it, it looks similar to montipora digitata, wondering if the care is similar.

Below: True Elkhorn (Acropora palmata)

Below: Elkhorn Monti (Montipora hirsuta)

JaimeAdams · Mar 22, 2018

I have heard of people back in the day keeping elkhorn acropora. THe thing is that it is not very colorful and it's large growth structure has left those old schoolers replacing it with newer cultivares. I do not know of anyone still keeping it and don't know the legalities of it if anyone still is.

brandon429 · Mar 22, 2018

It’s my most prized attainable wish list coral of all time that palmata

I think due to regs nobody gets to take from wild or import

For years and years I’ve dreamed of somehow convincing a researcher to somehow partner with me legally and let me grow some in reefbowls they would do well is the firm bet. Really well

Tragedy we aren’t able to work with that species more often. We could absolutely plate the inside of vases with pounds of that acro if such a lucky man could ever get a nub. Then when it’s all dead off the keys, we ship y’all the reefbowls back that’s the deal and replant the coral.

VSVP bet · Mar 23, 2018

brandon429 said:
It’s my most prized attainable wish list coral of all time that palmata

I think due to regs nobody gets to take from wild or import

For years and years I’ve dreamed of somehow convincing a researcher to somehow partner with me legally and let me grow some in reefbowls they would do well is the firm bet. Really well

Tragedy we aren’t able to work with that species more often. We could absolutely plate the inside of vases with pounds of that acro if such a lucky man could ever get a nub. Then when it’s all dead off the keys, we ship y’all the reefbowls back that’s the deal and replant the coral.

Agreed, I love the coral. I think the growth pattern is very unique. It would be awesome if aquacultured elkhorns could be released. Aquacultured elkhorns would be sustainably grown and could be enjoyed (and prized) by reefers across the world. I understand regulations on endangered species, but aquarists have proven that the aquaculture of coral is easy and sustainable.