Orange Montipora
Orange montipora, a member of the Montipora digitata group of corals, is a SPS coral, or small polyp stony. Some of its common names are Velvet Branch and Velvet Finger Coral. The orange montipora has a sturdy green narrow base with branches off the base that can look like branches of a tree. They are also described as looking like fingers. The orange color is bolstered by this corals signature bright orange polys that cover the coral. Orange montipora can also be in plated form where the coral grows wide and not in branch form. The edges of the corals branches are lighter in color, almost white. The montipora corals are the largest and most common type of corals in the world.
Orange Montipora Orgin
Like other montiporas, the orange montipora has its origins based in the Pacific Ocean. In nature, they are likely found in the shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea. They are commonly imported from Indonesia for reef aquariums but are also aquacultured in the United States. Aquacultured mantiporas are usually considered easier to take care of and can grow rather rapidly in a reef aquarium environment. Orange montipora is sold in fragment form, too, and can be grown from a small piece by affixing to a rock of between rocks. With the right water and light conditions, the orange montipora can thrive.
Orange Montipora in the Reef Aquarium
Similar to the other montipora in the digitata and capricornis groups, the orange montipora is a serene, peaceful coral that gets along well with other corals that have the same even temperament. Since the orange montipora is not aggressive by nature, they have low defenses and should not be placed with aggressive corals. Also, they can be damaged if not properly placed. Orange montipora need space to grow and move and they also need proper light. The bright orange shade of this coral can be intensified by lighting.
Orange Montipora Lighting
This type of coral does fine with a variety of different lights including the metal halide and fluorescent T5 and T8 bulbs. Orange montipora contain zooxanthellae, a type of algae that gives the coral its energy. The algae are produced from light through photosynthesis. Without proper lighting to make the photosynthesis happen, the coral will suffer.
Orange Montipora Ideal Environment
Orange montipora thrive in medium water movement and in temperatures between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, a similar water temperature to their natural habitat in warm ocean waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The water should be supplemented with additional calcium and other trace elements including strontium to maintain a healthy environment for the coral.
Orange Montipora Tips
Overall, montiporas are strong corals and can resist disease and bleaching that many other types of delicate corals cannot handle. This makes orange montiporas and its related varieties very good choices for reef aquariums.
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