Source: Wikimedia Commons
Montipora Cap
IntermediateMontipora capricornis
An SPS coral growing in cap/umbrella shape. Hardier than Acropora, ideal for SPS beginners.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
24〜27℃
Lifespan
10+ years
Size
10-40cm
Diet
Photosynthesis
About
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. 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.
Lifespan of the Montipora Cap
The Montipora Cap lives 10+ years.
Size of the Montipora Cap
The Montipora Cap grows to 10-40cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Montipora Cap
The ideal water temperature for the Montipora Cap is 24〜27℃.
Stable parameters (24–27°C, KH 8–9, Ca 400–440 ppm) support rapid encrusting and plating growth.
Basic Info
Origin
shallow reef flats and slopes of the Indo-Pacific
Lifespan
10+ years
Care Specifications
- Carbonate (KH)
- 8–11 dKH
- Water Temp.
- 24–27℃
- Specific Gravity
- 1.023–1.025
- Salinity
- 33–35 ppt
- Calcium (Ca)
- 420–450 ppm
- Magnesium (Mg)
- 1300–1400 ppm
SPSLight: High (PAR>150)Flow: HighPlacement: Top
Sources: AlgaeBarn: SPS/LPS care (PAR/flow) / AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101
Calls & Media
Fluorescence appearance
Coral fluorescent proteins are excited by blue/actinic light. Appearance differs greatly from under white light.
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
CITES Appendix II
Stony coral order (Montipora capricornis, Acroporidae). CITES Appendix II.
Sources: DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals (Scleractinia spp. = App. II)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Montipora Cap Listings
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