Orange Montipora Plate Coral – Montipora capricornus

• Date Added: 03/4/2009
• Tank: Cardiff
• Status: Inactive 12/1/2011
• Purchased at: FAOIS
• Cost: $20.00
• Coloration: Orange body with orange polyps and white growth edge
• Lighting: 250w MH 14000K Phoenix
• Description: Montipora capricornus is a turbinate coral which is described as a vaselike growth with cone-shaped whorls. A mature colony will have a spiraling vase shape. The newest growth, at the edges of the coral, are often lighter or a contrasting color. Seeing that lighter color at the edges indicates that the coral is growing.
• Light and Flow: For optimum coloration, it should be given a medium to high light levels such as T5 or metal halide lighting combined with medium to strong intermittent water current within the aquarium.
• Supplements: It will require maintaining stable levels of calcium, magnesium, pH, alkalinity, and other trace elements as you would with other types of SPS corals. It is essential for SPS health to keep nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates near undetectable levels.
• Feeding: While it does not require additional food to maintain its health, it will feed on micro-plankton and foods designed for filter feeding invertebrates.