Acropora Tortuosa

[lReef lKeeper]

The Acropora genus is quite diverse and popular and having different forms of growth, e.g., branching, cluster, bushy, and finger-like. In fact, these photosynthetic corals are the most abundant in the entire world. Some are difficult to ship and acclimate, but once established most exhibit rapid growth. These small polyp stony (SPS) corals (sometimes referred to as "small polyp scleractinian" corals) mostly require intense light (with metal halides being preferable), excellent water flow and can easily be propagated by snapping off branches and relocating in areas of favorable conditions.

One member of the Acropora genus that is held in high regards amongst SPS keepers around the world is Acropora Tortuosa. Torts are considered to be one of the more demanding of the SPS corals. They go by many different "designer names" including: Beckers Tort, Bennet Tort, Oregon Tort, Cali Tort, ORA, Miyagi Tort

Taxonomy/Identification
Family: Acroporidae
Genus: Acropora
Species: Tortuosa
Range: Pacific Ocean, Central Indo-Pacific, western Pacific
Abundance: Common at Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs of south-east Australia, rare elsewhere.
Habitat: Lagoons.

Colonies have tapered branches which have many smaller branches and coralites along each branch. Corallites are long and tubular, growing at an angle of 45-degrees, giving branches a rough, irregular appearance. Tentacles are typically not extended during the day. Color is typcially: Deep blue (which may photograph as pale purple) or brown. Similar species: Acropora horrida, which has smaller, more compact corallites and has tentacles extended during the day.

Lighting Requirements: Very High

Placement should be mid- to upper-levels in an aquarium. Metal Halide and high output T5 lighting are a must when keeping this extremely light demanding coral healthy in a home aquarium.

Flow requirements: Moderate to High

Flow is just as important as lighting when it comes to keeping SPS corals healthy. With this particular coral (or ANY SPS coral for that matter) you want a strong, but indirect flow.

Water Parameters: Excellent/Stable
A. Tortuosa is one of the more senstive SPS corals when it comes to water quality. Calcium, Alk, and Mag. need to be stable and consistent with minimal Phosphate, Nitrate, Nitrite, and Ammonia. If your tank cycle is over ... you should have 0's across the board on the last 4 to insure that this coral species is properly cared for.

Salinity 35 ppt
Calcium 380-450
Alk 2.5-4.5 m/l or 7-12 dkh
Mag 1250-1350
Phosphate <0.03 ppm*
Nitrates <1.0*

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[jimsflies]

Thanks again Bobby for putting together such a nice article! Great job!

[shovelhead91701]

great info..... acros are probably my favorite corals. :-)

[Sir Patrick]

Great write up!! Awsome info.

[rmalone]

Nice write up I didn't realize Torts were that picky. Acro's are by far my favorite corals, so many acros so few spots to 'em.

[raylady]

Thanks for the info. I also didn't realize that Tort's were so demanding.