Can beginners keep this coral?

This species is generally considered suited to experienced keepers, so it can be challenging for beginners. It's best to get comfortable with basic coral husbandry first.

How much light does it need?

In the wild it lives in shallow water down to about 15 meters, and it's classified as an SPS coral that needs relatively strong light. Your aquarium lighting should be capable of providing that level of intensity.

How large does it eventually grow?

Mature colonies can reach a diameter of several tens of centimeters. It's a good idea to plan for that eventual size when choosing where to place it in your tank.

Is this species listed under CITES?

Montipora Samarensis is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.

Why is it so rarely available?

Its limited depth range and distribution contribute to its scarcity in the trade. Whether you come across one often comes down to timing.

Montipora Samarensis

Montipora Samarensis is a reef-building coral in the family Acroporidae, known for its thin, plate-like skeleton that grows in overlapping layers. Native to shallow waters just 0 to 15 meters deep across the western Indian Ocean and Pacific, it's classified as an SPS coral that needs strong lighting to thrive. It rarely appears in the trade, so keepers who do find one are treated to a distinctive layered, plate-forming growth habit that adds real dimension to a reef layout. Because it demands careful attention to light and water quality, this species suits experienced aquarists rather than beginners.

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Montipora Samarensis key facts

Care level: Advanced
Size: Colonies to several tens of cm
Temperature: 24〜27℃
Diet: Mainly nutrition from symbiotic zooxanthellae, supplemented with powdered coral foods and phytoplankton.
Lighting: A shallow-water species from 0-15 m, adapted to bright light. It needs strong illumination in the aquarium, but start at reduced intensity and raise it gradually.
Flow & Placement: Sediment lodged between the plates causes tissue recession. Give randomised moderate to strong flow and site it high on the rockwork with room to spread.
Water Temperature & Quality: Water 24-27C, specific gravity 1.023-1.025 (33-35 ppt), KH 8-12, calcium 400-450 ppm, magnesium 1280-1350 ppm. Sudden swings in alkalinity are the most common cause of tissue recession.
Feeding: Most of its nutrition comes from photosynthesis by its zooxanthellae. Powdered coral foods and phytoplankton can be offered as a supplement, but stable light and water chemistry matter more than feeding.
Notes: The IUCN lists it as Endangered. As a scleractinian it falls under the blanket CITES Appendix II listing, and international trade requires permits.

TraitsSPSMontiporaStony coralCITES II

About Montipora Samarensis

A reef-building coral in the Acroporidae family, Montipora Samarensis grows in overlapping thin plates in shallow waters 0-15m deep and needs strong lighting — an advanced-level SPS coral.

7 things to know before welcoming a Montipora Samarensis

1Best Suited to Experienced Keepers
Montipora Samarensis is considered an advanced-level coral that calls for experience balancing lighting, flow, and water chemistry. It's best introduced once you're already comfortable keeping SPS corals.
2Needs Strong Lighting
In the wild it lives in shallow water just 0 to 15 meters deep, where light is abundant, and it needs correspondingly strong lighting in the aquarium. Make sure your lighting setup can deliver that intensity before bringing one home.
3Distinctive Layered Plate Growth
The species grows by stacking thin, plate-like skeletal layers on top of one another. This distinctive form gives the colony real dimension and can become a striking accent in a reef layout.
4Provide Adequate Water Flow
Because the overlapping plate structure can trap detritus on its surface, moderate water flow helps keep debris from settling and supports the coral's health. It's worth periodically adjusting flow direction as the colony grows.
5Stable Water Chemistry Is Essential
Like most SPS corals, it depends on stable calcium and alkalinity levels along with consistent overall water quality. Making regular parameter checks part of your routine is key to keeping it long term.
6Limited Availability
Montipora Samarensis doesn't appear on the market often, so opportunities to acquire one are limited. If you come across a colony you like, confirm your setup is ready before bringing it home.
7Colonies Can Reach Tens of Centimeters
As it grows, the colony can reach several tens of centimeters in diameter. It's wise to plan your layout with enough surrounding space to accommodate that eventual size.

Frequently asked questions about Montipora Samarensis

Q.Can beginners keep this coral?: A.This species is generally considered suited to experienced keepers, so it can be challenging for beginners. It's best to get comfortable with basic coral husbandry first.
Q.How much light does it need?: A.In the wild it lives in shallow water down to about 15 meters, and it's classified as an SPS coral that needs relatively strong light. Your aquarium lighting should be capable of providing that level of intensity.
Q.How large does it eventually grow?: A.Mature colonies can reach a diameter of several tens of centimeters. It's a good idea to plan for that eventual size when choosing where to place it in your tank.
Q.Is this species listed under CITES?: A.Montipora Samarensis is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.
Q.Why is it so rarely available?: A.Its limited depth range and distribution contribute to its scarcity in the trade. Whether you come across one often comes down to timing.