ACI Sunrise Cyphastrea Coral
ACI Manila Spy Montipora Coral shows a plating to encrusting growth form with fine, closely spaced polyps. Montipora sp., a small-polyp stony coral, prefers moderate to strong light and moderate to high, stable water flow. It is primarily photosynthetic through symbiotic algae but can benefit from occasional small-particle foods, which may support growth and coloration. Place on stable rock with room to spread, and keep distance from aggressive, stinging neighbors to avoid tissue damage.
photosynthetic (primary), phytoplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, microplankton, powdered coral foods (e.g., Reef-Roids), marine snow, bacterioplankton, amino acid supplements
Many Montipora start by encrusting to anchor, then plate once they sense stable light and flow. Give strong, turbulent flow and a wide, evenly lit area with minimal shading. Mount the frag on a vertical edge or the lip of rock so new growth can “catch” light. Avoid crowding; self-shading stalls shelf formation.
Yes. This strain often shows higher contrast polyps and base under blue-heavy spectrum. Keep PAR moderate-high but avoid sudden jumps. Maintain steady nutrients (nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.1 ppm). Trace balance matters: potassium near 400 ppm supports reds/pinks, iron/manganese help greens. Excess nutrients brown it; ultra-low levels wash it out.
That suggests Montipora-eating nudibranchs. Inspect after lights out with a flashlight; remove adults with tweezers and siphon egg spirals. Perform repeated dips (iodine or coral-safe pest dips) every 4–5 days to catch hatch cycles. Increase random flow around edges. Isolate the colony, and consider a wrasse known for picking pests as a support, not a cure.
