Twisted Sister Acropora

Twisted Sister Acropora: The Neon Multi-Color Masterpiece

The Twisted Sister Acropora (Acropora species, widely recognized as a strain of A. tenuis or similar delicate branching forms) is a premium and highly valued Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral in the collector market. This designer strain is famous for exhibiting a complex and dynamic color combination: typically a blue, purple, or pink base that contrasts with vibrant neon green or sometimes yellow polyps and bright, often iridescent growth tips.

The name "Twisted Sister" is inspired by its multi-layered, chaotic coloration and its tendency to grow in a tight, convoluted, or spiraling branching morphology. Achieving and maintaining its intense polychromatic vibrancy is highly dependent on ultra-low nutrient levels (ULNS) and high-intensity, carefully tuned lighting that utilizes both blue and white spectrums.

The Twisted Sister Acropora is strictly designated for the Expert-Only hobbyist. It requires a long-established, highly stable reef system, as it is extremely intolerant of fluctuations in alkalinity and can rapidly lose color or suffer tissue necrosis (RTN/STN) if stressed.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic. It relies heavily on energy produced by its symbiotic zooxanthellae algae, thriving under strong light intensity.
• Feeding: Supplemental feeding is strongly recommended to support its demanding coloration and growth, especially in ULNS systems. 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 status.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe but fiercely Territorial. Like all Acropora species, it is chemically and physically aggressive toward its neighbors. It requires ample space, ideally 6-8 inches or more of clearance from all other corals to avoid damage from stinging filaments.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, but Highly Aggressive/Territorial toward other corals. It should be positioned in the middle-to-upper region of the aquarium to maximize light and ensure strong, chaotic water flow.
• Water Requirements: Requires zero tolerance for instability. 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 350-550+) to drive color production.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Acropora sp. (Likely a variant of A. tenuis or similar)
• Primary Common Name: Twisted Sister Acropora
• Other Common Names: Multicolored Tenuis Acro, Twisted Acro
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can grow into large, intricate colonies (8-12+ 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: Expert Only