Montipora Corals

Montipora spp.

💧Moderate to High Flow

☀️Moderate to High Light

⭐Intermediate Difficulty

Montipora is a widely loved genus of SPS (small polyp stony) coral, known for its diverse growth forms — plating, encrusting, and branching — and incredible color variety. It's a staple in many reef tanks due to its moderate care needs, fast growth, and eye-catching fluorescence under actinic lighting. Some species of Montipora are considered among the easiest SPS corals to keep, making them an ideal choice for reefers ready to venture into stony corals. With proper conditions, Montipora can quickly establish and flourish, adding layers of color and structure to any reef layout.

Classification

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Cnidaria
Class	Anthozoa
Order	Scleractinia
Family	Acroporidae
Genus	Montipora
Species	Multiple, including: Montipora capricornis Montipora digitata Montipora danae Montipora undata

'Montipora' refers to a genus that includes many species, each with distinct growth patterns such as plating, branching, or encrusting.

Quick Care Tips

Lighting

Moderate to High

Low

Moderate

High

Flow

Moderate to High

Low

Moderate

High

Difficulty

Intermediate

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Frequently Asked Questions

What lighting is best for Montipora?

Montipora thrives under moderate to high lighting, generally between 150–300 PAR. Too little light can lead to browning, while stable, strong lighting brings out their best coloration and growth. As with most corals, it's important to start with lower lighting and gradually increase intensity to allow proper acclimation.

Can Montipora be placed near other corals?

Montipora is non-aggressive and generally safe to place near other peaceful corals. However, fast-growing plating varieties can shade or overgrow neighboring species, so avoid placing them directly above other corals.

Why does my Montipora have white patches?

White patches and sudden tissue loss are often signs of Montipora-eating nudibranchs. These tiny, well-camouflaged pests feed on coral tissue at night, leaving behind bare skeleton and rapid die-off. Inspect the coral closely—especially shaded or underside areas—for movement and signs of these notorious pests. Treatment is very difficult. Coral dips may reduce adult populations but typically don’t affect eggs, requiring multiple dips over several weeks. Manual removal and careful cleaning are often the most effective approach. Early detection is crucial, as these pests can quickly wipe out a colony if left unchecked.

Marketplace Overview

Current Listings: 548
Lowest Price: $9
Highest Price: $1440
Median Price: $39

Shop over 548 Montipora Corals

Top Sellers

Top Shelf Aquatics 164 Montipora Listings	164 listings
Jason Fox 67 Montipora Listings	67 listings
Vivid Aquariums 62 Montipora Listings	62 listings
Corals.com 36 Montipora Listings	36 listings
Reef Exclusive 30 Montipora Listings	30 listings
Queen City Corals 28 Montipora Listings	28 listings

How to Choose a Healthy Montipora Coral

Coloration:
Choose Montipora frags with strong, vibrant coloration. Consistent color throughout the frag usually indicates good health and stable lighting conditions during grow-out.
Tissue Coverage:
Look for full tissue coverage across the surface, with no bare skeleton, white patches, or signs of recession. Healthy frags should be firmly encrusting or plating onto their plug or rock.
Pest Inspection:
Closely inspect for signs of pests, especially Montipora-eating nudibranchs. Avoid frags with bare spots as even small imperfections can signal a hidden issue.
Growth Edges:
Active growth is often visible as lighter-colored margins or tips on encrusting and plating types - a great sign the coral is thriving and continuing to expand.

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