Montipora Undata
While the Montipora undata is rare and exotic, they are an easy to maintain SPS, small polyp stony coral. They do not have a common name and are usually called by their scientific name, the Montipora undata. They have characteristic fluorescent green polyps and vivid purple base. However, they dont have a distinctive shape (i.e. plated, bowl, etc.) but rather grow wide and without structure.
Montipora Undata in the Reef Aquarium
Montipora undata are most commonly found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans and imported from Indonesia. Fragments of this coral can double in size in reef aquariums with the appropriate levels of light, water flow and chemical balance in just a few months. When starting out, the fragment should be placed near the top of the tank to get the most water movement to bolster the Montipora undaes growth in the tank environment. Fragmenting this coral is easy and pieces of the Montipora undae do well in new tank environments when cared for properly.
Montipora Undata Coloration & Water Movement
Montipora undatas colors react nicely to high metal halide lights, but they can also thrive with less light from other sources. Like other montipora, the Montipora undata water movement requirements are not hard to create in a reef aquarium tank. They require medium water movement, similar to their natural surroundings on average reefs with shallow water breaking on the surface. Most corals need this type of water movement, so a montipora undata (if you are lucky to own one) will mesh nicely with the other corals water flow requirements. A moderate water flow equates to about 1/3 mile per hour.
Montipora Undata Behavior
The Montipora undata is a peaceful coral, just like its counterparts in the montipora family. The montipora undata, if properly cared for, can grow quickly, so placement in the tank should be considered before adding the coral to your reef aquarium.
Montipora Undata Additives
The calcium and alkalinity levels are important for montipora undata. Owners of this type of coral should maintain calcium concentrations of at least 400 mg/l. Calcium supplements can be added to the water to achieve this level. Further, alkalinity should be at 175 mg/l as CaCO3 or 3.5 meg/l. Calcium in the water encourages strong skeletal growth for montiporas and protects against decreases in pH that can be harmful to the live corals and fish.
Montipora Undata Temperature
Unlike other montiporas, the Montipora undata is not as heat resistant as other varieties. Water temperatures should stay below 80 degrees Fahrenheit to protect the montipora undata. The skeletons of this type of coral tend to hold heat and therefore are not as heat resistant as other varieties. Metal halide lights produce a great amount of heat, so if you are using that type of lighting with tanks that include Montipora undata, be sure they are not directly placed under the lights.
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