Montipora

Montipora sp.

Animalia›Cnidaria›Anthozoa›Acroporidae

📍 Indo-Pacific Reef Systems

Montipora is a diverse SPS coral genus second only to Acropora in species diversity, available in plating, branching, and encrusting growth forms in a wide array of colours. It is considered the entry-level SPS coral, more forgiving than Acropora but still demanding stable water parameters, high light, and good flow. Plating Montipora varieties are particularly popular for adding mid-level horizontal structure and bold colour to reef aquariums.

Size2"

Min Tank40g

peaceful

Zoneall

Tank Mates

Ocellaris Clownfish

Reef-safe fish that do not nip or damage corals; compatible with SPS systems

excellent

Cleaner Shrimp

Beneficial reef inhabitants that maintain water quality without harming corals

excellent

Pistol Shrimp

Reef-safe and beneficial; may occasionally disturb substrate but does not damage corals

good

Neon Goby

Small, reef-safe fish that contribute to tank health without threatening corals

excellent

Acropora

Both are SPS corals; space carefully to prevent allelopathic competition and overgrowth

caution

Common Diseases

Brown Jelly Disease (Coral Plague)

Symptoms

Brown, jelly-like tissue sloughing off coral skeleton; rapid tissue recession; visible brown mucus

Treatment

Isolate affected coral immediately; perform daily 50% water changes; treat with antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin) if available; improve water quality and reduce stressors; remove dead tissue carefully

Coral Bleaching

Symptoms

Loss of color; coral appears white or pale; zooxanthellae expulsion visible as cloudiness

Treatment

Reduce light intensity temporarily; lower water temperature to 24–25°C; improve water flow; ensure stable alkalinity (8–10 dKH) and calcium (400–450 ppm); perform water changes; avoid sudden parameter shifts

Algae Overgrowth

Symptoms

Excessive algae covering coral surface; reduced light penetration; tissue irritation

Treatment

Manually remove algae; reduce nutrient levels (phosphate, nitrate); increase water flow; introduce algae-eating invertebrates; maintain consistent lighting schedule; perform regular water changes

Parasitic Infection (Zoanthid Eating Nudibranch)

Symptoms

Visible small slugs on coral; tissue damage; polyp recession; holes in coral tissue

Treatment

Remove visible parasites manually with tweezers; dip coral in freshwater or iodine solution; quarantine affected coral; inspect rockwork for eggs; improve water quality and flow

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Quick Facts

diet: Photosynthetic (zooxanthellae); absorbs dissolved organics and fine coral foods
flow: Moderate to high
lifespan: Decades
lighting: High (150–300 PAR)
placement: Mid to upper rockwork; plating forms on horizontal surfaces
tank size: 40 gallons minimum SPS reef
temperament: Encrusting growth can overgrow adjacent corals; space accordingly