Montipora Capricornis
Montipora capricornis, a type of coral found in saltwater, is commonly called the leaf plate montipora. The Montipora capricornis is often green and purple in color but can also be green and orange. They are shaped like a vase with a short narrow bottom and larger open wide top. The origin of this coral species is Indonesia, and they can be found in the Australo-Indo-Pacific region, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.
Montipora Capricornis In The Reef
The Montipora capricornis can live in deep water (deeper than 33 feet) or closer to the reef crest. They have a large range and can be found in clear reefs to turbid waters. However, they are most commonly found in peaceful water and middle depths. Montipora capricornis are frequently spotted in lagoon-like environments in shallow water among sea grasses.
Montipora Capricornis Appearance
Due to their appearance, they are often called vase coral. Montipora capricornis is a plate coral that is ridged in appearance. The Montipora capricornis is one of the most common species of coral. In addition to vase coral and leaf plate coral, it is often called cabbage coral, lettuce coral or cup coral. A healthy, mature colony of Montipora capricornis will have the spiraling vase shape. If the edges of the coral are a contrasting color, that is a sign of new growth. Often, corals will remain open or closed during certain times of the day. That is not the case with montipora capricornis they alternate and open and close individually or as a colony at all times of the day.
Montipora Capricornis Ideal Environment
This species of coral is a small polyp stony (SPS). The Montipora capricornis is moderately difficult to maintain and thrives in medium lighting combined with medium water movement. It is a calm coral and meshes well with similar types of peaceful corals in the aquarium. In addition to the proper lighting and water movement, healthy Montipora capricornis also benefits from added chemicals to the aquarium. They live even better with the addition of trace chemicals including calcium and strontium. Further, they also thrive best when they are fed a mico-plankton or other type of food for filter feeding invertebrates on a weekly basis. The combination of the chemicals, light and food choices will keep this coral bright, healthy and vibrant.
Montipora Capricornis Lighting
Regarding lighting, the Montipora capricornis can thrive under varied circumstances. They should receive three watts of electricity per gallon, which is not that cumbersome. With this in mind, a power compact, VHO, metal halide or T-5 florescent will work with your Montipora capricornis corals.
Montipora Capricornis Water Conditions
There is a combination of water conditions that will suit Montipora capricornis. The water temperature suggested for Montipora capricornis is 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit. The pH level for this coral should remain in the range of 8.1-8.4. Further, the sg should be 1.023-1.025 and the dKH should stay in the range of 8-12.
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