Montipora Digitata
The Montipora digitata is a SPS coral, or small polyp stony, that is relatively common, inexpensive and easy to maintain in a reef aquarium. The purple and green coral resembles a small tree with branches that have lighter colored, almost white tips that can look like fingers. Due to its tree-like appearance, it is often called velvet branch coral or velvet finger coral. They are usually a deep purple with green and white accents.
Montipora Digitata Growth
The Montipora digitata grows vertically unlike other plate corals which grow wide and large. However, the way they grown can depend on environmental conditions. Colors of the Montipora digitata can vary, especially because of light conditions. As explained above, this type of coral is usually a deep purple, though sometimes they are a brown-orange color. Experts say the orange color results from heavy lighting and fluorescent pigments in the color tissues. Under proper conditions, the Montipora digitata should retain its signature deep purple shade.
Montipora Digitata Origin
The origin of the Montipora digitata is the Pacific Ocean and they are usually imported from Indonesia, which is common for montipora corals. In nature, they can be found in the shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea. They can survive in deep or shallow water and thrive with other types of corals with similar traits. The Montipora digitata is a peaceful coral from the Acroporidae family of corals. When extended, the branches of the Montipora digitata are soft and velvety. In captivity, they can do very well under the right conditions.
Montipora Digitata Ideal Environment
Montipora digitata are best kept in moderate to high flow water conditions. Lighting for Montipora digitata, like all corals, is very important due to the photosynthesis process. This coral can handle the more concentrated heavy light of metal halides, or T-5 florescents and VHOs. They need at least three watts per gallon of a lighting method to thrive in a reef aquarium. Similar to other corals, Montipora digitata do best when given weekly feedings of micro-plankton to promote their growth.
Montipora Digitata Additives
In addition to maintaining a moderate water condition, Montipora digitata benefit from added calcium and strontium in the tank water. Calcium is integral to skeletal growth of the coral. This chemical should be kept in the 400-450 mg/l range. Alkalinity, an inorganic carbon source, is a helpful addition to the tank for Montipora digitata as a part of the photosynthesis process. This should be maintained at 160 mg/l or ~3.25 meq/l. Biocarbonates, an alkalinity booster, can also be added to promote the coral growth and health.
Montipora Digitata Conditions
Montipora digitata are easy to maintain and can grow rapidly with proper maintenance. The water temperature should stay between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit with pH levels between 8.1-8.4, The dKH should be 8-12 and sq at 1.023-1.025. These are typical water conditions for many montipora and small polyp stony corals.
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