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Montipora Corals
SPS

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

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumCnidaria
ClassAnthozoa
OrderScleractinia
FamilyAcroporidae
GenusMontipora
SpeciesMultiple, 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.

Montipora Coral Care Tips

Lighting
Moderate to High
Low
Moderate
High
Flow
Moderate to High
Low
Moderate
High
Difficulty
Intermediate
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced

Montipora Coral FAQs

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.

Montipora Corals For Sale

Current Listings
584
Lowest Price
$1
Highest Price
$1440
Median Price
$39

Explore 584+ Montipora Coral Listings

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Top Shelf Aquatics
173 Montipora Listings
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66 Montipora Listings
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Vivid Aquariums
58 Montipora Listings
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World Wide Corals
38 Montipora Listings
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Corals.com
35 Montipora Listings
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Queen City Corals
29 Montipora 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.

If you like Montipora...

Coral Image

Digitata

Coral Image

Astreopora

Coral Image

Porites

Coral Image

Acropora

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