Montipora Digitata
Montipora digitata(Dana, 1846)Species
An SPS coral that branches in finger-like shapes. 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 Digitata
- Commonモンティポラ・ディジタータ
- SynonymManopora digitata
- SynonymManopora tortuosa
- SynonymMontipora alcicornis
- SynonymMontipora bolsii
- SynonymMontipora divaricata
Overview
Montipora digitata (family Acroporidae) is a branching SPS coral whose slender, finger-like branches ("digitata" means finger-shaped) extend upward in purple, pink, orange, or green hues. One of the most common and widely kept Montipora species throughout the Indo-Pacific shallows, it is hardier than Acropora and serves as an excellent first SPS coral. It thrives under moderate to strong lighting (200–350 PAR) with moderate to strong flow and standard SPS chemistry—calcium 400–450 ppm, alkalinity 8–9 dKH. Its fast growth and ease of fragging make it a staple for adding height and color diversity to SPS reef displays, though detritus between branches should be managed with good flow.
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—強い光量を好む
- Notes—中〜強の水流が適切
- Notes—ミドリイシより水質変動に強い
- Difficulty—フラグで容易に増殖可能
- Growth—成長速度はSPSの中では早い方
Regulatory & Conservation
- CITES:
- Appendix II
- Notes:
- イシサンゴ目(Montipora digitata, 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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