The Montipora Coral is a small polyp stony (SPS) coral often referred to as a Finger, Encrusting, or Plating Coral depending on its growth form. While encrusting and plating varieties are common, Montipora corals occur in a wide range of growth patterns and textures. When expanded, their polyps can give the coral a soft, velvety or fuzzy appearance. The Montipora Coral makes a wonderful addition to the established reef aquarium with its refined structure and vibrant visual appeal.

Montipora Corals prefer moderate to high lighting conditions, best achieved with T-5 fluorescent, LED, or metal halide lighting systems. For best care, maintaining high water quality is essential. This includes stable pH, alkalinity, and calcium levels, while keeping phosphate and nitrate concentrations as close to zero as possible. In addition to lighting and water quality, Montipora Corals benefit from moderate to strong, intermittent water flow. This can be achieved with powerheads, wavemakers, or water circulation pumps. Montipora is a peaceful coral with short tentacles and can generally be placed near other non-aggressive species in the reef aquarium.

Montipora satisfies most of its nutritional needs through photosynthetic, symbiotic zooxanthellae algae living within its tissue. However, it can benefit from supplemental feeding with micro-plankton, brine shrimp, and other fine particulate foods formulated for filter-feeding invertebrates. For continued vitality, Montipora Corals will also benefit from regular supplementation of calcium, magnesium, strontium, and trace elements.

Each Montipora Coral is mounted to a natural “rock-like” plug for easy and secure placement within your reef aquascape.