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Red Plating Montipora
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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
🪸 Coral Care Guide
Care Level
Moderate
Lighting
Medium
Water Flow
Moderate, indirect flow.
Placement
Lower to middle areas of the aquarium.
Temperament
Peaceful.
Growth Rate
Moderate, with gradual skeletal growth and increasing polyp density over time.
Frag Size
Typically supplied as a multi-polyp frag unless otherwise stated.
💧 Water Parameters
Purple Goniopora thrive in stable reef aquariums with consistent water chemistry.
Recommended Parameters
- Stable Alkalinity
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Stable Nitrate & Phosphate levels
- Trace elements including iodine and iron are beneficial.
Avoid ultra-low nutrient systems, as Goniopora generally perform best in mature, nutrient-balanced aquariums.
🍤 Feeding & Nutrition
Purple Goniopora benefit from regular supplemental feeding to encourage long-term health, vibrant colour and strong polyp extension.
Recommended Foods
- Fine powdered coral foods
- Phytoplankton
- Micro-plankton blends
- Small particulate coral foods
Feeding Frequency
Feed lightly but consistently 2–3 times per week.
🌊 Placement & Acclimation
Purple Goniopora appreciate thoughtful placement and a gentle introduction to your aquarium.
Placement
- Lower to middle areas of the aquarium.
- Allow plenty of space for full polyp extension.
- Avoid direct contact with aggressive or stinging corals.
- Prevent polyps from rubbing against rockwork.
Lighting
Medium lighting is recommended.
Too much light may cause the coral to retract, while insufficient lighting can reduce extension.
Light acclimation is recommended whenever introducing a new specimen.
Water Flow
Provide moderate, indirect flow that keeps the polyps gently swaying.
Avoid strong, direct flow, which may prevent full extension.
Random, alternating flow patterns generally produce the best results.
🌍 Natural Habitat
Purple Goniopora originate from the Indo-Pacific region and are commonly found throughout:
- Indonesia
- Australia's Great Barrier Reef
- Fiji
- Tonga
- Papua New Guinea
- Central and Western Pacific reef systems
In the wild they inhabit sheltered lagoon environments and protected reef zones with moderate lighting, gentle water movement and nutrient-rich conditions.
Once considered difficult to keep, advances in modern reef keeping—including improved lighting, flow control and nutrition—have made healthy, aquacultured Goniopora far more reliable long-term additions to today's reef aquariums.
⭐ ReefGro Expert Advice
Purple Goniopora is one of our favourite LPS corals thanks to its elegant movement and rich purple colouration.
When fully extended, hundreds of delicate tentacles create constant movement that contrasts beautifully with SPS colonies and other fleshy LPS corals, making it an excellent centrepiece for mixed reef aquariums.
For the best results:
- Introduce the coral slowly using light acclimation.
- Maintain stable water chemistry.
- Feed regularly with fine particulate foods.
- Avoid placing it where neighbouring corals can sting the extended polyps.
- Be patient during acclimation—healthy Goniopora often become more fully extended as they settle into stable conditions.
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