Beach Bum Montipora

Beach Bum Montipora: The Pastel Yellow and Pink Plater

The Beach Bum Montipora (Montipora species) is a beautiful and highly sought-after collector strain of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral. Montipora species are well-regarded for their ease of care compared to Acropora and their distinctive growth habits.

This specific strain is named "Beach Bum" for its attractive, warm, and sun-kissed pastel coloration. It typically features a pale yellow, creamy pink, or peach base tissue which is heavily contrasted by numerous bright pink or reddish-orange polyps. The overall effect is soft yet vibrant, standing out well in a colorful mixed reef.

The Beach Bum Montipora typically grows in a thinly plating, scrolling, or encrusting morphology. It is considered a Moderate care SPS coral. While hardy, it requires consistent parameters, high light, and ample flow to maintain its rapid growth rate and stunning 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 expand rapidly, potentially shading out lower-lying or slower-growing corals. Strategic placement is key to prevent it from dominating the aquascape.
• 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 surfaces and encourage plating growth.
• 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: Beach Bum Montipora
• Other Common Names: Pastel Plating Monti, Yellow Base Pink Polyp 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