Not furry either, still lovely.

Montipora

Montipora spp.

Also called Montis, Velvet coral, Plating Montipora, Leaf plate Montipora, Montipora capricornis

SpeciesShort profile

From Reefs and lagoons of the Red Sea, western Indian Ocean and southern Pacific; not found in the Atlantic.1

At a glance the quick version

Sizemedium

Often a good first small-polyp stony coral

Wide range of bright colours

Grows into eye-catching plates and swirls

2 1

Looks how to spot one

Small-polyp stony coral (SPS) in plating, encrusting or branching forms

A very variable coral that can grow as flat plates, spreading crusts, fingers or small mounds, sometimes several forms on one colony. Its polyps are tiny and sit in a porous skeleton, giving the surface a fine, velvety texture.1 2

ColoursOrangeRedPinkPurpleBlueGreenYellowBrownCreamTanGrey1 2 3

Personality what they are like

A peaceful, steady grower. Plating types such as Montipora capricornis are known to cope with less-than-perfect conditions better than Acropora, which makes them a popular step into stony corals.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Sessile; small-polyp stony corals do best in brisk, turbulent water movement, and the polyps come out mainly at night to feed.4 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Keep chemistry steady and top up calcium and alkalinity as the coral grows; reef guidance is about 400-450 ppm calcium, 7-12 dKH alkalinity, pH 8.2-8.6, low nitrate and phosphate.4 2

Home where they are happiest

A stable reef aquarium at about 24-27 C (75-80 F) with strong lighting and good flow; plating forms are usually given room to spread outward.2 4

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Relies largely on symbiotic algae in its tissue for energy, and its polyps also catch plankton after dark.2 3

Company who they like around

A colonial coral; it needs no tankmates, and is commonly kept with other small-polyp stony corals.1 4

The story where it all began

Blainville named the genus in 1830, and it sits in the same family as Acropora, with Anacropora as its closest relative. Plating and branching Montipora became mainstays of reef aquariums because they are widely available and comparatively forgiving.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Montipora has the smallest corallites (polyp cups) of any coral family.1
2
Its eggs already carry their own symbiotic algae, passed straight from parent to offspring.1
3
With about 85 species it is the second largest coral genus, after Acropora.1
4
Montipora digitata can get up to about 90% of its energy from the algae living in its tissue.3

Recognised by the official bits

Taxonomy (Blainville): Genus named by Blainville in 1830, family Acroporidae; about 85 species, the second largest coral genus after Acropora.1
CITES: Montipora digitata is listed on CITES Appendix II.3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Montipora. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingDepends on species, many feed from the light and the watervaries
Salinity checkevery week
Water testevery week
Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
Light checkevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Montipora?

Montipora gets most of its energy from the light and symbiotic algae in its tissue, so you don't need to feed it often. Its polyps catch plankton at night, but Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding depends on the species, many feed from the light and the water. For specific feeding amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.2 3 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Montipora eat, and what should it never eat?

Montipora relies largely on symbiotic algae in its tissue for energy, and its polyps catch plankton after dark. It should never be given any solid foods or medicines not meant for corals, as that can harm it. Always ask your exotic-pet vet for safe options.2 3

How much space does a Montipora need?

Montipora is a colonial coral that needs room to spread outward, especially plating forms. In a stable reef aquarium, give it space to grow without touching other corals. Furry Diary's plan includes regular water changes and checks to keep the environment healthy.2 4 Pet Wiki plan

What temperature, light or water does a Montipora need?

Montipora needs a stable reef aquarium at about 24-27°C (75-80°F) with strong lighting and good water flow. Keep chemistry steady with calcium 400-450 ppm, alkalinity 7-12 dKH, pH 8.2-8.6, and low nitrate and phosphate. Furry Diary suggests weekly salinity and water tests, plus daily top-ups with fresh RO water.2 4 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean a Montipora's home?

Clean the aquarium by doing a 10-20% water change every two weeks, as per Furry Diary's plan. Also top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water and test water weekly. Avoid scrubbing the coral itself, as it is delicate. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Montipora live with others?

Yes, Montipora is peaceful and commonly kept with other small-polyp stony corals. It needs no tankmates but can share a reef aquarium with compatible species. Give each coral enough space to grow without touching.1 4

How long does a Montipora live?

Montipora can live for many years in a stable reef aquarium, but exact lifespan varies. With proper care, steady water chemistry, and good lighting, it can thrive for a long time. Ask your exotic-pet vet for more specific guidance.

Can I handle a Montipora?

It is best not to handle Montipora, as it is a delicate stony coral with tiny polyps. Touching can damage its skeleton or stress it. Always let it stay in place in the aquarium.1 2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Acropora

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

Montipora - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for taxonomy, range, growth forms, colours, reproduction
Montipora capricornis - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for aquarium care, temperature, lighting, beginner SPS status
Montipora digitata - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for size, colour, CITES, energy from algae
Reef aquarium - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for SPS flow and reef water parameters

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.