Tortuosa acropora (Acropora tortuosa) care guide

Group
Corals
Other names
Tortuosa acro
Family
Acroporidae
Origin
Indo-West Pacific reefs, typically shallow, well-lit reef flats and slopes
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
expert
Reef safe
yes
Lighting
High; about PAR 250–400 (standard hobby guidance), acclimatised gradually
Flow
Strong, intermittent

Care

Acropora tortuosa is a small-polyp stony (SPS) coral that grows as a bushy colony of thin, twisting branches, which gives it its name. In the hobby it is usually seen in browns, greens and blues, with colour depending heavily on light and nutrients. LiveAquaria does not sell this species by name; the care below comes from its general Acropora listing (Acropora sp.). Placement: high in the rockwork, where it gets strong light and strong, intermittent (alternating) flow. Allow room for the branches to fill out. Bring it up to strong light gradually or it can lose colour. Water: Acropora needs an established reef with very stable chemistry: alkalinity dKH 8–12, pH 8.0–8.4, and nitrate and phosphate kept very low (but not zero for long periods). Calcium, magnesium, strontium and trace elements need regular dosing, and alkalinity swings are a common cause of tissue loss. Growth is fast once settled. Selling: this is a CITES Appendix II coral. Frags grown in the UK can be sold freely; wild-collected or imported pieces must have been legally imported with CITES paperwork. Aquacultured Acropora frags are widely available and are the better buy. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/assorted-acropora-coral). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Photosynthetic: its zooxanthellae provide most of its food. Fine particulate foods such as phytoplankton, zooplankton and SPS coral foods can be broadcast fed and help growth and colour.

Breeding

Easy to frag. Snip a branch with bone cutters, glue it to a plug or rock with gel superglue or epoxy, and keep it in good light and flow. Broken branches readily grow into new colonies under good conditions.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful, with very short polyps, but it can be stung by LPS corals with long sweeper tentacles, so keep it well away from Euphyllia, Galaxea and similar corals. Watch for Acropora pests (red bugs, Acropora-eating flatworms, Montipora/Acropora nudibranchs) and for angelfish and butterflyfish, which may pick at the polyps.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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