Forest Fire Digitata
$20.00 – $40.00
- Please Note: This is a representative photo of the frag you will receive
- Frags are roughly S 1/2"- 3/4" M 3/4"-1" L 1 "-2"
Description
Montipora Coral is a popular genus of small polyp stony (SPS) corals known for their stunning colors, fast growth, and diverse growth forms. They are often recommended as a “first SPS” coral for reef keepers who are transitioning from softies or LPS, due to their relatively forgiving nature compared to Acropora.
🌈 Description
- Scientific Name: Montipora spp.
- Common Names: Monti, Montipora, Plating Monti, Encrusting Monti, Branching Monti
- Color Varieties: Bright neon green, red, purple, orange, blue, pink—often fluoresce under actinic/blue lighting.
🧬 Growth Forms
| Type | Description |
| Plating (capricornis) | Forms thin, plate-like spirals or whorls |
| Encrusting | Spreads over rockwork and surfaces like a crust |
| Branching (digitata) | Grows upward in finger-like branches |
💡 Lighting Requirements
- High lighting (PAR 200–350) – T5, metal halide, or strong LEDs.
- Intense blue-spectrum lighting enhances fluorescence.
- Acclimate slowly to avoid bleaching.
🌊 Flow Requirements
- Moderate to strong, turbulent flow is ideal.
- Helps remove detritus, promotes gas exchange, and keeps tissue healthy.
💧 Water Parameters
| Parameter | Target Range |
| Temperature | 75–78°F (24–26°C) |
| Salinity | 1.025 |
| pH | 8.1–8.4 |
| Alkalinity | 8–11 dKH (stable) |
| Calcium | 400–450 ppm |
| Magnesium | 1250–1350 ppm |
| Nitrate | 2–10 ppm (ultra-low not required) |
| Phosphate | 0.02–0.08 ppm |
- Stability is more important than perfection—fluctuations can cause tissue loss.
- Regular testing and dosing (especially for Ca/Alk/Mg) is essential for healthy growth.
🍽️ Feeding
- Photosynthetic, but can benefit from broadcast feeding.
- Accepts:
- Phytoplankton
- Reef roids
- Coral snow
- Amino acid supplements
- Feed 1–2 times weekly, especially in nutrient-poor systems.
🪸 Placement
| Factor | Recommendation |
| Tank Position | Upper to middle regions |
| Distance to Other Corals | Allow space; not aggressive but can outgrow or shade neighbors |
- Plating Montis can shade corals beneath them—monitor for light competition.
✂️ Fragging & Growth
- Very fast growers, especially plating and encrusting types.
- Easy to frag with bone cutters or a coral saw.
- Frags attach quickly to frag plugs or live rock.
⚠️ Common Issues
- Montipora-eating Nudibranchs – small white pests that feed on tissue.
- Solution: dip new frags, inspect regularly.
- Tissue loss (STN or RTN) – often caused by unstable alkalinity or pests.
- Color Fading – from light shock, nutrient deficiencies, or low flow.
✅ Pros
- Wide variety of colors and shapes.
- Faster and easier than Acropora.
- Great SPS starter coral.
- Thrives in established tanks with good lighting and flow.
❌ Cons
- Still sensitive to parameter swings.
- Vulnerable to specific pests like nudibranchs.
- Can overgrow nearby corals.
Montipora offers a stunning, sculptural element to reef aquariums, perfect for hobbyists stepping into SPS territory.
Additional information
| Size | Large, Medium, Small |
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