Montipora (Montipora sp.) Care Guide

The most beginner-friendly SPS coral, available in plating, encrusting, and branching growth forms. More tolerant of slightly elevated nutrients than Acropora.

Overview

Montipora sp. is a species in the family Acroporidae. The most beginner-friendly SPS coral, available in plating, encrusting, and branching growth forms. More tolerant of slightly elevated nutrients than Acropora. Comes in spectacular colors including rainbow. A great stepping stone into SPS keeping.

Taxonomy

Family: Acroporidae
Genus: Montipora
Scientific name: Montipora sp.
Other names: Monti
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Montipora is a genus of small-polyp stony corals of Indo-Pacific reefs, growing as plates, encrustations or branches. Powered by symbiotic algae, they are among the more forgiving SPS corals but still need good light, flow and stable water parameters.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 100 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
KH: 8-12 dKH
Water flow: strong
Adult size: 5-30 cm
Lifespan: 10-50 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as herbivore. Recommended feeding frequency: photosynthetic. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Position in tank: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Small Reef Fish, Wrasses
Avoid with: Coral Nippers, Large Angelfish

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.