Orange Setosa Montipora
Orange Setosa Montipora
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Description
Description
Orange Setosa Montipora Coral Frag
The Orange Setosa Montipora is a vibrant and highly recognisable SPS coral, prized for its intense orange colouration and unique, spiky growth form. Unlike plating or encrusting Montipora, Setosa develops thick, knobby branches with a coarse texture, giving it a bold, almost sculptural appearance in reef aquariums.
Known for its fast growth and exceptional resilience, Orange Setosa Montipora is an excellent choice for reef keepers seeking bright colour and structure without the demanding care requirements of more delicate SPS species.
Natural Habitat & Distribution
Montipora corals originate from the Indo-Pacific region, with natural populations found 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 Philippines
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Central and Western Pacific reef systems
In the wild, Montipora setosa inhabits reef slopes and mid-depth zones, where it experiences moderate to strong light and steady water movement. These conditions explain its adaptability and success in aquarium environments.
A Brief History
Montipora setosa has long been favoured in the reef-keeping hobby due to its durability, rapid growth, and distinctive appearance. The bright orange variety became especially popular as LED lighting improved, revealing its intense colour saturation and strong fluorescence under blue-heavy spectra.
Today, Orange Setosa Montipora remains a staple SPS coral for both beginner and experienced reef keepers.
Appearance & Growth
Classified as an SPS (Small Polyp Stony) coral, Orange Setosa Montipora grows in a thick, knobby, branching form, often spreading outward and upward over time.
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Bright orange to tangerine colouration
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Coarse, textured surface
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Strong colour retention under stable lighting
Growth is fast and highly rewarding, making it ideal for filling space and adding contrast.
Placement & Lighting
Orange Setosa Montipora performs best under medium to high lighting, closely replicating its natural reef environment.
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Lighting: Medium–High
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Best placed in the mid to upper sections of the aquarium
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Lower light may reduce colour vibrancy
Flow Requirements
Provide moderate to strong, random flow to encourage healthy growth and prevent detritus accumulation around the coral’s textured surface.
Water Chemistry
As with all SPS corals, stable water parameters are essential. Maintain consistent levels of:
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Calcium
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Alkalinity
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Magnesium
Along with low but stable nutrient levels and balanced trace elements. Regular testing and dosing are recommended.
Feeding
Primarily photosynthetic, Orange Setosa Montipora can benefit from occasional supplemental feeding such as:
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Fine powdered coral foods
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Micro-plankton blends
Used sparingly, these feeds can support faster growth and overall vitality.
Temperament & Spacing
Montipora setosa is generally peaceful, but its chunky growth form requires adequate spacing to prevent contact with neighbouring corals as it expands.
Frag Size & Natural Variation
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Frag size: Approximately 1 inch
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Each frag is unique and may vary slightly in shape and shade 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.