Propagating Montipora peltiformis (Peltiformis Monti)

Propagation guide for encrusting Montipora peltiformis: cutting around polyps with a band saw, gluing flat chips to discs, recovery conditions, and the nudibranch pest.

Overview

Montipora peltiformis is an encrusting coral of the family Acroporidae that overlays rockwork in colorful sheets. Encrusting is one of several Montipora growth forms; the genus has the smallest corallites of any coral family and is found across the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea but not the Atlantic. Colonies rely on symbiotic zooxanthellae.

Reproductive Mode

Montipora are hermaphroditic broadcast spawners, releasing gametes in spring. In the aquarium the routine method is asexual fragmentation of the encrusting sheet.

Fragging / Asexual Propagation

Fully encrusted corals are best fragged with a band saw. Cut around the polyps to the desired frag size, keeping pieces flat to make gluing easier. Encrusting frags suit a frag disc, and the flat base seats cleanly with a single glue application.

1. With a band saw, cut around the polyps to the desired frag size.
2. Keep each frag as flat as possible for an even bond.
3. Apply cyanoacrylate glue to a frag disc, sized to the frag base.
4. Seat the frag, hold about 30 seconds, then return it to the tank in good flow and light.

Conditions for Propagation

Encrusting Montipora is hardy and recovers quickly under stable chemistry. The Aquairi record targets medium-high light (about 150-250 PAR), medium flow and 24-26 C.

Common Challenges

An undescribed Phestilla nudibranch feeds on Montipora and is easily overlooked. Because encrusting colonies cover large areas, an infestation can spread quickly, so dip and quarantine new frags.