Monti Cap


Scientific Name
Family: Acroporidae / Species: Montipora capricornus

Common Name(s)
Vase Coral, Leaf Plate, Monti Cap, Cup Coral

Coloration
On the reef, it's colors can be purple, blue, brown or green and some have a contrasting edge color under stronger lighting. In the aquarium, colors can include purple, intense green with purple edges, light green, red and orange.

Size and Growth Rate
Under proper lighting and water conditions, this coral can grow quite large (as big as the space you have for it) and very quickly (as much as 1" every couple months). It can easily become a tank show piece!

Location and Geographic Range
The Montipora Spp. are found in the Australo-Indo-Pacific region as well as the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. M. capricornus is found in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and in the Houtman Abrolhos Islands.

Food
In the reef tank, they tend to grow healthier and fast in a well-fed tank, eating very small fine particulate foods. Zooplankton and tiny plankton can be fed to them once a week. They'll also enjoy other filter feeder food and even rotifers.

Lighting
Moderate to High lighting levels are required for the best growth. T5's, VHO's or Metal Halides are recommended.

Water Flow
Moderate to high, and turbulent flows are good.

Chemical Stability
Excellent tank conditions are suggested for best results. Keep the calcium, alkalinity and pH levels up and nitrates low and phosphates at or as close to zero as possible.

Aggression
Peaceful coral....low aggression. But under proper conditions this coral grows fast and may shade other corals.

Care Level (Easy, Moderate, Difficult)
Easy to moderate

Hardiness
Moderate to high under the right tank conditions.

Placement in Tank
Middle to near the top...they tend to grow faster the closer they are to the light.

Availability
Very high! Most lfs will readily have these corals available. They are also easy to frag so obtaining them in frag swaps is very common.
Fragmentation
Extremely easy. Simply break off a piece and glue it to a frag plug with super glue or other saltwater aquarium safe bonding material. It should do just fine after fragmentation if kept in good conditions.

Conclusion and Comments
This is a great starter SPS coral for any new (or experienced) reefer. Assuming good water and lighting conditions, this coral will grow fast and big! And the many colors available will brighten up any tank.

My personal experience:
This is one of my very favorite corals! It's fun to watch it grow from a small frag into a beautiful centerpiece!

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