Kermit the Frog Tort Acropora

Kermit the Frog Tort Acropora: The Neon Green Tortuosa

The Kermit the Frog Tort Acropora (Acropora species, often considered a vibrant green color morph of A. tortuosa) is a popular and striking Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral in the collector market. This strain is famously named for its intense, uniform neon or lime-green coloration that covers the entire coral body, contrasting sharply with the slightly lighter or sometimes pinkish growth tips.

The "Tort" in the name refers to its typical growth pattern: a twisting, winding, or staghorn branching morphology. The highly saturated green color of the Kermit the Frog Tort is heavily dependent on specific fluorescent pigments, which require high-intensity lighting (emphasizing the blue spectrum) and stable, low-nutrient water chemistry to fully develop and maintain.

As a highly sensitive branching Acropora, this coral is designated for the Advanced to Expert hobbyist. It requires meticulous attention to stable parameters, especially alkalinity, and a mature, established reef system to prevent browning or rapid tissue loss (RTN/STN) from stress.

---

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 highly beneficial for supporting dense growth. 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. Monitoring nutrient levels is key, as high nutrients can dull the green color.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe but fiercely Territorial. Like all Acropora species, it is chemically and physically aggressive. It requires ample space, ideally 6 inches or more of clearance from all neighboring corals to prevent stinging damage.
• 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, chaotic water flow.
• Water Requirements: Requires extreme stability. The tank must be mature with low nutrient levels (Nitrate < 10 ppm, Phosphate < 0.1 ppm). Critical parameters: Alkalinity (dKH 8.0-9.5), Calcium (420-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1300-1400 ppm). Demands very intense, high-PAR lighting (PAR 400-600+).

---

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Acropora sp. (Likely a variant of A. tortuosa)
• Primary Common Name: Kermit the Frog Tort Acropora
• Other Common Names: Kermit Tort, Neon Green Tort, Green Tortuosa
• 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