Cali Tort Acropora

Cali Tort Acropora: The Deep Blue Tortuosa

The Cali Tort Acropora (Acropora tortuosa, a specific named strain) is a classic and highly coveted Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral in the reef aquarium hobby. This strain is famous for its vibrant, deep electric blue to purple coloration and its distinctive, twisting or winding branching morphology, which earns it the common name "Tortuosa."

The Cali Tort, short for "California Tortuosa," is often considered a benchmark for successful blue Acropora cultivation. Its intense blue or purple hue is dependent on high concentrations of specific pigments, which are fully developed only under ultra-low nutrient levels (ULNS) and high-intensity, blue-spectrum LED lighting.

As a demanding Scleractinia, the Cali Tort Acropora is reserved for the Advanced to Expert hobbyist. It requires meticulous attention to stable water parameters, especially alkalinity, and a well-established, mature reef environment to maintain its vibrant color and avoid the rapid tissue loss (RTN/STN) often seen with unstable conditions.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic. It relies heavily on the energy produced by its symbiotic zooxanthellae algae, thriving under strong light intensity.
• Feeding: Supplemental feeding is highly beneficial for supporting dense growth and color. Target feed the polyps 2-3 times per week with high-quality, fine particulate foods, such as amino acid solutions, cyclops, or commercial coral powders. Nutrient input must be strictly monitored to maintain ULNS.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe but fiercely Territorial. Like all Acropora species, it is chemically and physically aggressive. Due to its branching nature, it requires ample clearance, ideally 6 inches or more of space from all neighboring corals to prevent stinging.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, but Highly Aggressive/Territorial toward other corals. It should be positioned in the highest-light region of the aquarium and exposed to strong, turbulent, and chaotic water flow.
• Water Requirements: Requires extreme stability. The tank must be mature with ultra-low nutrient levels (Nitrate < 5 ppm, Phosphate < 0.05 ppm). Critical parameters: Alkalinity (dKH 8.0-9.0), Calcium (420-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1300-1400 ppm). Demands very intense, high-PAR lighting (PAR 400-600+).

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Acropora tortuosa (Specific strain)
• Primary Common Name: Cali Tort Acropora
• Other Common Names: California Tort, Blue Tortuosa, Blue Tort
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can grow into large, intricate colonies (10-15+ inches)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Aggressive/Territorial toward other corals)
• Diet: Photosynthetic (Zooxanthellate; benefits from plankton/aminos)
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 Gallons (Established, dedicated SPS reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes, but requires expert-level spacing and stability.
• Care Level: Advanced / Expert