Montipora capricornis (Red/Orange Plating)

Montipora capricornis in its red-orange form is one of the best beginner SPS corals available, growing as broad, layered horizontal plates in a vivid red to orange colouration that adds dramatic structure to any reef aquarium. It is significantly more tolerant of variable parameters than Acropora, making it the ideal first SPS coral for reefers transitioning from LPS systems. Plates stack attractively and create natural overhangs for smaller corals and fish.

Medium-high PAR (150–300). Moderate to strong flow. Alk 8–10 dKH, Ca 400–450 ppm, Mg 1250–1350 ppm, temp 24–27°C. More tolerant of elevated NO3/PO4 than Acropora. Place on open sand or broad rock ledge to allow free plate expansion — plates touching substrate will die back from the edges. Frag by snapping plate segments; each segment will regenerate a new plate. One of the fastest-growing reef corals under good conditions.