Propagating Montipora spongodes (Spongodes Monti)

Propagation guide for the plating SPS Montipora spongodes: fragging flat chips with a band saw, mounting to plugs, recovery conditions, and the nudibranch pest to watch for.

Overview

Montipora spongodes is a plating small-polyp stony coral of the family Acroporidae. Like other Montipora, it has the smallest corallites of any coral family and lacks columellae, giving the surface a porous, sponge-like texture. The genus is widespread across the Red Sea, western Indian Ocean and southern Pacific but absent from the Atlantic, and colonies rely on symbiotic zooxanthellae for nutrition.

Reproductive Mode

As a Montipora, M. spongodes is a hermaphroditic broadcast spawner in the wild, with spawning typically in spring. In captivity propagation is done asexually by cutting and re-mounting fragments.

Fragging / Asexual Propagation

The thin plating skeleton cuts readily. A band saw produces the cleanest chips, while inexpensive coral cutters work for smaller pieces and can be used inside the tank. Aim for flat fragments that lie flush against a frag plug.

1. Section the plate into small, flat chips using a band saw or coral cutters.
2. Apply cyanoacrylate glue sized to the chip base on a plug or disc.
3. Press the chip onto the glue, hold roughly 30 seconds, and release.
4. Restore strong flow and adequate light within a few hours of fragging.

Conditions for Propagation

Recovery is fastest with stable alkalinity, calcium and magnesium. The Aquairi record targets medium-high light (about 150-250 PAR), medium-high flow and 24-26 C for this colony.

Common Challenges

Montipora is host to parasites such as the copepods Allopodion mirum and Xarifia extensa, and an undescribed Phestilla nudibranch preys on Montipora tissue. New frags should be inspected and dipped to avoid spreading these pests.