Afterburner Montipora

Afterburner Montipora: The Fiery Orange and Red Masterpiece

The Afterburner Montipora (Montipora species) is a highly desirable and exceptionally fluorescent collector strain of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral. Montipora species are foundational corals in the reef hobby, known for their varied growth forms and bright colors.

This specific strain is named "Afterburner" for its intense, fiery coloration that mimics a jet engine's exhaust glow. It typically exhibits a dazzling hot orange or deep red base tissue, which is heavily contrasted by bright neon yellow or chartreuse polyps and often includes fluorescent green highlights along the growth edge. This polychromatic combination makes it a spectacular focal point.

The Afterburner Montipora typically grows in a thinly plating or scrolling morphology, though captive fragments may initially encrust. It is considered a Moderate care SPS coral, being hardier than most Acropora but requiring consistent parameters, high light, and ample flow to maintain its rapid growth rate and intense color saturation.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic (deriving most energy from symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae) but is also an opportunistic Carnivore.
• Feeding: Supplemental feeding is highly beneficial for faster growth and robust color. Its small polyps readily capture fine particulate foods. Target feed 2-3 times per week with very fine foods, such as cyclops, rotifers, or commercial coral powders and amino acid solutions.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe and generally Passive. Montipora lacks powerful sweeper tentacles, but its plating growth can quickly shade out lower-lying or slower-growing corals. Care must be taken to place it where its shadow will not kill other species.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, and Passive toward other corals. It should be positioned on mid-to-high rockwork where it receives High PAR lighting (250-450 PAR) and strong, non-laminar, turbulent water flow to prevent detritus buildup on its plating surfaces.
• Water Requirements: Requires stable parameters. The tank should be mature with very low nutrient levels (Nitrate < 5 ppm, Phosphate < 0.1 ppm). Critical parameters: Alkalinity (dKH 8.0-9.5), Calcium (400-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1300-1450 ppm).

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Montipora sp. (Specific Strain)
• Primary Common Name: Afterburner Montipora
• Other Common Names: Afterburner Plating Monti, Hot Orange Monti
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can form large plates/colonies (12+ inches in diameter)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Passive, but capable of shading neighbors)
• Diet: Photosynthetic and Carnivore (Benefits from target feeding)
• Minimum Tank Size: 40 Gallons (Established SPS or Mixed Reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Excellent, non-aggressive SPS option)
• Care Level: Moderate