From ReefPedia

[edit] Montipora Difficulty: medium Light: medium Aggression: Not aggressive Hardiness: very Growth Rate: fast Availability: common

Montipora capricornis

Introduction

Montipora is a genus of coral that has been in the reef aquarium hobby for years, but has grown in popularity only recently. While Montipora have many different growth forms like Acropora, and a wide range of color, they are also one of the hardiest 'SPS' corals. Montipora are growing in popularity because more colorful varieties are being collected and some extremely colorful Montipora are being propagated. The main attraction of Montipora is that they are hardy, have interesting growth forms, grow quickly and often the polyps are a striking color that is different from the base color.

Common Names

• Monti
• Cap (M. Capricornis)

Scientific Names

Montipora

Hardiness

Montipora are of Medium difficulty if you provide the appropriate lighting.

Flow

Montipora do best with Medium to High water flow.

Lighting

Montipora can tolerate a range of light intensity, from Medium to High. Some varieties of Montipora seem to come from brighter conditions, and do best under 10K lighting while others such as Superman typically do best under 20K lighting.

Placement

Montipora should be placed on a rock substrate and placed so that it gets appropriate light and water flow.

Feeding

These corals can be fed any type of phytoplankton.

Propagation

very easy to propagate asexually by using sharp bone cutters or even breaking a piece off and gluing to another rock or a propagation plug

Predators

Montipora eating nudibranch. Indicated by RED arrow. Very small, less than 1/4", white in color. Can destroy an entire colony rapidly. The damage caused by these pest resembles a slow tissue narcrosis, progressing from the base of branching species and typically from the edges of plating species.

Remedy: Many wrasse species, some of which are reef safe should feed on this coralivore.

FAQ

Commonly-asked questions regarding the coral.

   Article originally contributed by Barry Katz of Kahuna Corals

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