"Pokerstar" Encrusting Montipora Coral
(Montipora sp.)
Montipora corals are a popular choice for reef aquariums due to their beautiful growth forms and vibrant colors. Montipora corals are found in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world's oceans. They inhabit shallow reef environments, often growing in colonies on rocky or coral substrates. Montipora corals, like most other reef-building corals, have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae. These algae reside within the coral's tissues and perform photosynthesis, providing the coral with nutrients and oxygen. Montipora corals can vary in their tolerance to copper. Some species and varieties are more sensitive to copper than others. It's important to avoid exposing them to elevated copper levels, as it can harm their health. Montipora corals are generally considered to be moderately to slightly challenging in terms of care requirements. They require stable water conditions, proper lighting, and moderate water flow. Montipora corals may benefit from supplemental feeding of planktonic foods, particularly for faster-growing varieties. Montipora corals are known for their rapid growth rate, and they can quickly colonize and cover available surfaces in the aquarium. They are also known for their ability to regenerate from small fragments, making them suitable for propagation and fragging. Additionally, some Montipora species are known to produce chemical compounds that act as natural sunscreen, protecting them from excessive sunlight. When keeping Montipora corals, it's important to provide them with appropriate lighting, moderate water flow, and stable water parameters. Regular monitoring and maintenance of water quality, including proper calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels, are essential for their growth and well-being. Additionally, it's recommended to research and select Montipora species and varieties that are suitable for your specific aquarium setup and care capabilities. Corals will benefit from the addition of Calcium, Strontium, Iodine, Magnesium and Trace Elements.
Montipora Corals are a very popular coral in the aquarium trade. Commonly seen in the aquarium trade. The Montipora Corals are quite beautiful with a range of colors. Most commonly seen in shades of brown, blue, or pink. Montipora Corals will vary greatly in size and formation.
Water conditions: Salinity 1.023 - 1.025 Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Hardness 8 - 12 dKH
- Care: Moderate Easy
- Behavior: Social
- Diet: Frozen Food Live Food
- Habitat: Reef
- Light: Medium High