Red Plating Montipora
Red Plating Montipora
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Description
Description
Red Plating Montipora Coral Frag
The Red Plating Montipora is a classic and visually striking SPS coral, prized for its deep red colouration and elegant plate-like growth form. As it matures, this coral develops layered, whorled plates that create depth, movement, and dramatic contrast within reef aquariums.
Highly valued for its fast growth and reliability, Red Plating Montipora is an excellent choice for reef keepers looking to add bold colour and architectural interest 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, plating Montipora species are commonly found on reef slopes and mid-depth zones, where they receive moderate to strong light and steady water movement. These conditions shape their adaptability and success in reef aquariums.
A Brief History
Plating Montipora have long been a staple of the reef-keeping hobby due to their rapid growth, distinctive growth forms, and relative hardiness. Red varieties became especially popular as lighting technology improved, allowing aquarists to maintain deeper red tones and stronger contrast under modern LED systems.
Today, Red Plating Montipora remains a go-to SPS coral for both mixed and SPS-dominant reefs.
Appearance & Growth
Classified as an SPS (Small Polyp Stony) coral, Red Plating Montipora grows in a thin, plate-like structure, often forming overlapping shelves or scrolling plates over time.
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Deep red to burgundy colouration
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Smooth to lightly textured surface
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Strong colour response under stable lighting
Growth is fast and highly rewarding in stable reef systems.
Placement & Lighting
Red Plating Montipora performs best under medium to high lighting, closely mimicking 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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Insufficient light may cause colour dulling or browning
Flow Requirements
Provide moderate to strong, indirect flow to prevent detritus from settling on horizontal plates while avoiding direct laminar blasts that may damage tissue.
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 controlled dosing are recommended.
Feeding
Primarily photosynthetic, Red Plating 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 colour vibrancy and growth.
Temperament & Spacing
Montipora corals are generally peaceful, but plating growth can shade nearby corals. Allow adequate space above and around the frag to accommodate outward growth.
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 shade, shape, and growth 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.