Kung Pao Montipora
Kung Pao Montipora
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Description
Description
Kung Pao Montipora Coral Frag
The Kung Pao Montipora is a bold and eye-catching SPS coral known for its rich colour contrast, tight polyp structure, and energetic growth pattern. With its vibrant base tones and striking polyp definition, this coral delivers standout visual impact while remaining approachable for reef keepers looking to expand their SPS collection.
Highly regarded for its colour stability and adaptability, the Kung Pao Montipora makes an excellent feature coral in both mixed and SPS-dominant reef systems.
Natural Habitat & Distribution
Montipora corals originate from the Indo-Pacific region, where they are widely distributed across:
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The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
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Indonesia
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Fiji and Tonga
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The Red Sea
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Central and Western Pacific reef systems
In their natural environment, Montipora species are commonly found in shallow to mid-depth reef zones, exposed to strong lighting and consistent water movement. These conditions explain their preference for brighter light and good flow in captivity.
A Brief History
Montipora corals have long been popular within the reef-keeping hobby due to their hardiness, rapid growth, and wide range of colour morphs. As lighting technology evolved; particularly with the rise of LED systems; designer varieties like the Kung Pao Montipora gained recognition for their intense fluorescence and bold contrast under blue and actinic lighting.
Today, the Kung Pao Montipora is valued as a reliable, high-impact SPS coral that balances striking aesthetics with manageable care requirements.
Appearance & Growth
Classified as an SPS (Small Polyp Stony) coral, the Kung Pao Montipora typically exhibits an encrusting to plating growth form. It will often spread quickly across rockwork before developing textured plates or contoured ridges as it matures.
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Tight, evenly distributed polyps
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Strong colour contrast
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Enhanced fluorescence under blue lighting
With stable parameters, growth is fast and rewarding.
Placement & Lighting
Kung Pao Montipora thrives under brighter lighting conditions, closely replicating its natural reef habitat.
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Lighting: Medium to High
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Best positioned in the mid to upper areas of the aquarium
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Low light may result in muted colouration or slower growth
Flow Requirements
Provide moderate to strong, random flow to encourage healthy tissue, good polyp extension, and to prevent detritus accumulation. Avoid placing the frag in direct, laminar flow.
Water Chemistry
Stable water chemistry is essential for SPS success. Maintain consistent levels of:
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Calcium
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Alkalinity
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Magnesium
Along with low nutrient levels and balanced trace elements. Regular testing and controlled dosing will support optimal growth and colour.
Feeding
Primarily photosynthetic, the Kung Pao Montipora can benefit from occasional supplemental feeding, including:
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Fine powdered coral foods
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Micro-plankton blends
Light, infrequent feeding can help enhance colour intensity and overall vitality.
Temperament & Spacing
Montipora corals are generally peaceful, but can engage in slow chemical competition with neighbouring corals. Allow sufficient spacing to accommodate encrusting and plating growth.
Frag Size & Natural Variation
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Frag size: Approximately 1 inch
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Each frag is unique and may show slight variations in colour and pattern depending on lighting and tank conditions.
Care Summary
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Care Level: Moderate
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Flow: Medium–High
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Lighting: Medium–High
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Temperament: Peaceful
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WYSIWYG
Every featured frag is photographed individually, so the coral you see is exactly the one you’ll receive. No stock images, no substitutions — just honest, WYSIWYG frags grown and cared for in our systems.