Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Widespread.
Natural Environment: Inhabits a wide range of environments and usually seen at depths between 3 to 100 feet (1 - 30 m).
General Husbandry: Occasionally 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.
Taxonomy:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Anthozoa
Subclass: Hexacorallia
Order: Scleractinia
Family: Acroporidae
Genus: Montipora
FYI: An encrusting form with upward growing columns and usually brown, cream or blue.
Adaptable to lower light conditions, yet cultured bright colors may fade.
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!
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 300 - 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.