Coral species · Bowerbank Acan Coral

Homophyllia bowerbanki

Large, fleshy polyps in a colonial form: the Bowerbank Acan, formerly Acanthastrea bowerbanki.

Overview

Homophyllia bowerbanki was long known as Acanthastrea bowerbanki and is still widely sold as the Bowerbank Acan. It is a colonial coral with large, fleshy polyps, closely related to the solitary Aussie Scoly.

It is valued by collectors for its larger polyp size and rich, contrasting colour.

Appearance and colour

Polyps are bigger and fleshier than those of most Acans, with distinct rims and centres. Greens, reds, oranges and multi-coloured pieces are all seen, often with bright contrasting eyes.

Care in the aquarium

Keep it low to mid-level in gentle flow and low to moderate light, where the tissue can inflate fully. It responds well to regular target feeding with small meaty foods. Like other Acans it extends short sweeper tentacles at night, so leave a little space around the colony.

At a glance

Bowerbank Acan Coral

Type LPS (large polyp stony)
Also known as Bowerbank Acan (formerly Acanthastrea bowerbanki)
Lighting Low to moderate
Water flow Low to moderate
Placement Lower to middle of the reef
Feeding Small meaty foods
Care level Easy to moderate
Temperament Mildly aggressive

Every coral is unique. Photos are representative of the species; each colony varies in shape, size and colour.

Responsibly sourced

How we source Homophyllia bowerbanki

Our corals are collected on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, from the northern areas of the Reef down to Bundaberg, our home. Our diving collection vessels are equipped for long-distance travel, so we can find the best corals and keep them in pristine condition on the way to our holding facility.

Jeremy leads our harvesting team, which is extensively trained in safe, sustainable collecting techniques. We work to a strictly limited quota across broad reef areas within specific zones, taking small numbers of corals of limited size and premium quality and leaving the majority of the coral intact.

At our Bundaberg holding facility, Travis and the team fine-tune feeding, lighting and husbandry so every coral is in top condition before it is carefully packed and shipped. Our growing aquaculture program supports our vision of offering a 100% aquacultured source of premium corals.

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Limited, selective harvest

A strictly limited quota, taken from broad reef areas in specific zones. Small numbers, limited sizes and premium quality.

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Stewardship and certification

We participate in Provision Reef, an industry stewardship program, and maintain CITES certification for responsible sourcing.

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Towards 100% aquacultured

Our growing aquaculture program in Bundaberg supports our vision of a fully aquacultured source of premium corals.

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