Latin Name: Montipora Capricornis
Class: Anthozoa
Order: Scleractinia
Family: Acroporidae
Genus: Montipora
Origin: Reef World Wide
Category: SPS
Care Level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting: Medium – High
Waterflow: Medium – High
Placement: Medium – High
Colors: Various
Growth Speed: Medium – Fast
This is one of the most famous corals of the world and is often referred to as monti cap, a short form form for its latin name. This type of montipora is plating meaning it will grow into open water and does not need a substrate to attach to like the similar species encrusting montipora. It comes it a wide variety and colors and can take on different shapes and patterns depending on flow and light. In the wild monticap colonies can grow as large as football fields. It is super easy to keep in home reef aquariums and does well in a variety of conditions.
Generally this is considered a peaceful coral and certain types of monti cap can even be placed in direct proximity to other ones to create unique colonies. Reefers have even managed to graft different strains of monticap together creating fused and unique types.
It does well with moderate to high lightning conditions and moderate to very high flow. Like most sps corals, stability is key to success. This is probably one of the easiest of all the hard corals species to grow and keep in your tank. They do well under a variety of lighting conditions from T5, to halide and LED.
Most fish won’t eat monticap with the exception of a few triggers. Almost all invertebrates will also not eat it. There is however one pest called a montipora nudibranch that will eat them. As with all new coral additions to your aquarium you should dip monticap and visually inspect for any nudibranch or eggs before adding them .
Common Name: Monti Cap