Montipora Capricornis care guide
Montipora Capricornis (Montipora capricornis) — reef coral, 24-26 °C, PAR 150-250, salinity 1.025-1.026.
Overview
Montipora capricornis is a plating SPS that forms whorl-like overlapping plates as the colony matures. It is hardy and is widely regarded as one of the best entry-level SPS for new reef aquaria.
Taxonomy
- Family: Acroporidae
- Genus: Montipora
- Scientific name: Montipora capricornis
- Common synonyms: Cap, Plating Monti, Whorl Monti
Habitat
Native to the tropical Indo-Pacific. Wild colonies form broad plating structures on outer reef slopes at moderate depth.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- Salinity (SG): 1.025-1.026
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Alkalinity (dKH): 7.5-9
- Calcium: 420-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1300-1400 ppm
- Phosphate (max): 0.05 ppm
- Nitrate (max): 10 ppm
Placement and lighting
- Lighting (PAR): 150-250 PAR
- Flow: medium-high
- Recommended tank age: 6 months
- Growth rate: 0.5-1.5 cm/mo
Mount on rockwork in the upper aquarium with medium to high flow and medium-high light. Spacing matters because mature colonies form broad whorls that can shade lower-placed corals.
Feeding
Primarily photosynthetic. Amino-acid supplementation supports colour and growth; direct spot-feeding is unnecessary.
Compatibility
Passive and non-stinging. Compatible with most reef corals provided spacing is adequate. Reef-safe with shrimp and fish.
Care notes
Watch for Montipora-eating nudibranchs in new frags — quarantine and dip in coral-safe iodine. Stable alkalinity (7.5-9 dKH) and low nutrients protect colour.