Montipora Cap
Montipora capricornisVeron, 1985Species
An SPS coral growing in cap/umbrella shape. Hardier than Acropora, ideal for SPS beginners.
Fluorescence appearance
Coral fluorescent proteins are excited by blue/actinic light. Appearance differs greatly from under white light.
Names & Synonyms
- CommonMontipora Cap
- Commonモンティポラ・キャップ
Overview
Montipora capricornis (family Acroporidae), commonly called cap montipora, is a plating SPS coral widespread on Indo-Pacific reefs. Horizontal laminar growth produces disc- or umbrella-shaped colonies with undulating margins that can exceed 40 cm in diameter. Colors include green, purple, orange, pink, and brown, with vivid fluorescence under actinic lighting. Despite sharing a family with Acropora, Montipora is substantially hardier and more tolerant of suboptimal conditions, making it the ideal first SPS for hobbyists stepping up from LPS. Moderate to high lighting (150–300 PAR) and moderate flow are recommended. Stable parameters (24–27°C, KH 8–9, Ca 400–440 ppm) support rapid encrusting and plating growth. Montipora-eating nudibranchs (Phestilla cf. lugubris) can be introduced on new specimens; a prophylactic coral dip is advisable before adding to a display tank. The sweeping plate form adds dramatic three-dimensional structure to reef aquascapes.
Care Specifications
| Type | SPS |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24〜27℃ |
| Specific gravity | 1.023〜1.025 |
| Salinity | 33〜35 ppt |
| KH (carbonate hardness) | 8〜11 dKH |
| Calcium (Ca) | 420〜450 mg/L |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 1300〜1400 mg/L |
| Lighting | High |
| Water flow | High |
| Placement | Top |
Care Points
- Lighting—Medium to strong light
- Flow—Medium flow
- Propagation—Easy to propagate by fragging
- Notes—Diverse growth: encrusting, plating, branching
Regulatory & Conservation
- CITES:
- Appendix II
- Notes:
- イシサンゴ目(Montipora capricornis, Acroporidae)。CITES 附属書II。
Sources
- AlgaeBarn: SPS/LPS care (PAR/flow)(careSpec)
- AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101(careSpec)
- DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals (Scleractinia spp. = App. II)(regulatory)
Related corals of the same type
Blue Coralアオサンゴ（ヘリオポラ）spsIntermediateThe only octocoral with a solid blue skeleton. Taxonomically unique and hardy, but CITES Appendix II — handle with care.
Astreoporaアストレオポラ（スターコーラル）SPSBeginnerA massive SPS in the Acropora family. Named for star-shaped scattered corallites; a hardy entry-level SPS.
AnacroporaアナクロポラSPSIntermediateA branching SPS related to Acropora but lacking axial corallites, forming slender delicate branches with pastel coloration.
IsoporaイソポラSPSIntermediateA branching-to-encrusting SPS formerly placed in Acropora. Bearing multiple axial corallites, it is hardier and easier than Acropora.
CoscinaraeaコスキナラエアSPSBeginnerA hardy coral related to Psammocora with a rough texture. Encrusting, with wide tolerance of light and flow.
Hydnophora (Horn Coral)コモンサンゴspsIntermediateCoral with dense small bumps (hydnophores) on surface. Between LPS and SPS in care. Fast-growing with beautiful fluorescent green. Aggressive — careful placement needed.Related care articles
SPS Coral Infections and Disease Prevention | Distinguishing White Spot Disease, Planula Settlement Disease, and Mixed Infections
When SPS corals contract infections, multiple warning signals appear. The initial sign is fading color and loss of translucency, where healthy specimens lose their transparency and vibrant coloration. White Spot Disease produces numerous microscopic white lesions on the coral's surface, and as the condition progresses, it spreads across the entire body. This is a typical symptom of parasitic or bacterial infection. Another form of infection, Planula Settlement Disease, occurs immediately after larval settlement and causes newly settled small colonies to necrose rapidly.
SPS Corals Other than Acropora | Cultivation Characteristics of Pocillopora, Seriatopora, and Stylophora
While SPS corals are often exemplified by Acropora (staghorn coral), there are many other species with different growth patterns such as branching and massive forms, including Pocillopora and Seriatopora. This article introduces the characteristics and cultivation considerations for each.
Montipora Morphological Classification and Rearing Environment | Understanding the Differences from Acropora
As a representative SPS species, Montipora exhibits diverse growth forms that differ from Acropora, another SPS type. This article explains the characteristics of each form—digitate, plate, and encrusting—and how to optimize light, water flow, and nutrient environments for each.
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