Does temperature affect color?

[Earl Karl]

Does temperature affect coral color (Like acros, acans, chalices, etc.)? I run my tanks at 80 degrees for maximum growth, but now I want to slow growth and lower it down (SLOWLY) to 76 degrees. Will that affect the coral's color?

 

[Coralreefer1]

For some corals...yes! For example, Acropora Millepora coral will show brighter coloration under cooler temps (73-74degrees) whereas, growth will be stunted. In warmer water temperatures (77-79degrees), growth increases by coral coloration deminishes.

Warmer temperatures alter the brooding process in many corals however.!

 

[Superlightman]

There are studies for this?

 

[Coralreefer1]

Water temperature does have an effect on corals and fish and inverts for that matter. Lower water temperature promotes more dissolved oxygen in a saltwater aquarium. If water temperatures are too high, corals will bleach and potentially perish like we are seeing first hand in reefs around the world as a result of global warming.
Moreover, fluctuations in water temperature is not a good thing, as this could cause stress in corals and fish especially ultimately leading to Ich in fish and bleaching in corals.