Purple Montipora
The purple montipora, like many in the montipora family of corals, is a small polyp stony (SPS) coral. As detailed by its name, they are traditionally a deep purple, with a wide bowl like shape with a narrow base that is darker in color, often almost maroon. They are also called vase corals or cabbage corals and are a part of the Montipora capricornis family.
Purple Montipora Growth
Montipora capricornis grow in leaf-like, circular shapes. In order to retain their shape and beauty, this type of coral needs to be carefully placed in reef aquariums as to not damage them. All Montipora capricornis, including the purple montipora, are part of the Acropoidae family of corals.
Purple Montipora Origin
The purple montiporas origin is Indonesia, and they can be found in the Australo-Indo-Pacific region, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. They are often imported from Indonesia, but montipora capricornis aquacultured in the United States have emerged on the market and they have proven to be successful in reef aquariums.
Purple Montipora Ideal Environment
Purple montiporas can live in deep or shallow water. However, they are usually found in quiet, shallow, lagoon-like water environments. The polyps of purple montiporas, like all Montipora capricornis, are tiny and appear almost velvety when they are outward. The polyps appear to be mostly uniform in size giving way to their common description as velvety in appearance.
Purple Montipora In The Reef Aquarium
This coral has a peaceful nature and does well with other similar types of corals in a reef aquarium environment. This type of coral requires moderate care, but under the right water and lighting conditions, they grow rapidly and interact well with other corals. Purple montiporas perform well in medium water flow and moderate lighting. Coral experts suggest VHO lighting at a minimum for this type of coral, or T5s, but purple montiporas have been known to grow well under metal halide lights too. Metal halide lights give off a concentrated strong light that can promote coral growth and health. If your tank is dim, it is best to position these corals so that they are under proper light.
Purple Montipora Additives
Like the other species in the Montipora capricornis family of corals, the purple montipora needs a proper balance of chemicals and added elements to retain its health and growth. Calcium additions are a must as they promote the skeletal growth of all montipora. Strontium is equally important as is other trace elements. This chemical balance along with medium lighting and moderate water movement will keep the purple montipora vivid and beautiful. Coral owners may also want to feed the purple montipora micro-plankton once a week. Purple montipora, like other corals, are often sold as fragments that can be affixed to live rock in your aquariums. With proper care, the purple montipora can grow very well from a fragment. They can also grow if placed in between rocks.
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