Montipora aequituberculata

Bernard, 1897

Cup Coral, Whorl Coral

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Widespread.

Natural Environment: Inhabits protected reef slopes and often see at depths between 10 to 100 feet (3 - 30 m).

General Husbandry: Rarely seen in the trade.

Care should be taken as to its position in the aquarium, as this species is basically defenseless against other corals, even those that are not overly aggressive. An occasional strong wave of water movement to help keep detritus from collecting on its surfaces is highly recommended.

Even though fully capable of producing all its nutritional needs via photosynthesis, plankton-like foodstuffs fed occasionally may be beneficial/promote quicker growth.

Adaptable to lower light conditions, yet any bright colors may fade.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Hexacorallia

Order: Scleractinia

Family: Acroporidae

Genus: Montipora

FYI: In the wild, usually has an encrusting growth form, sometimes taking a bowl-shape and/or whorl-shape and usually brown, cream or purple, with pale margins. Sometimes brightly colored.

Cultured specimens exist in the trade that may exhibit very bright colors, therefore ask under what PAR conditions it was grown in so you may continue to see it maintain its health/colors!

This species is sometimes bothered by a tiny Nudibranch, probably in the Suborder Aeolidacea, which starts feeding at the bottom of the specimen. Once the bottom tissue is removed they start moving towards the upper regions. A freshwater bath of the same pH and temperature for about 30 - 45 seconds will destroy all the pests. A repeat bath should happen in about ten days so any hatching eggs are also destroyed. Sometimes these pests are only seen at night.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Diet: Photosynthetic/Plankton feeder

Temperament: Peaceful

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe: With caution

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Hardiness: Moderate

Calcium (Ca): 380 - 430 mg/l

Alkalinity: 2.5 - 3.0 meq/l

Phosphate (PO4): <0.05 mg/l

Magnesium (Mg): approx. 1350 mg/l (relate to specific gravity)

Strontium (Sr) 8 - 10 mg/l

Temperature Range: 74 - 83°F (23 - 28°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Lighting: PAR 250 - 450+

Water Movement: WM 2

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4

Iodine/Trace Elements Monitor/as necessary to maintain quality seawater.