Bubblegum Montipora Digitata

Bubblegum Montipora Digitata: The Bright Pink Branching Coral

The Bubblegum Montipora Digitata (Montipora digitata species) is a highly distinctive and vibrant collector strain of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral. Montipora digitata is one of the hardiest branching Montipora varieties, known for its rapid, dense, finger-like growth structure.

This specific strain is named "Bubblegum" for its unmistakable, intense pink to magenta base tissue. This bright base is often contrasted by vibrant neon green, chartreuse, or sometimes yellow polyps that extend prominently from the branches. The combination of intense pink and neon green creates a spectacular, fluorescent effect, making it a standout in any reef.

The Bubblegum Montipora Digitata grows in a dense, columnar, or branching morphology, forming thickets of tapered, finger-like branches. It is considered a Moderate care SPS coral. It is generally very forgiving compared to Acropora but requires consistent parameters, high light, and strong flow to maintain its dense branching structure and vivid coloration.

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 accelerating growth and enhancing color saturation. 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. It does not possess long sweeper tentacles, but due to its fast and dense branching growth, it can easily shade out slower-growing corals placed below it. It should be given vertical clearance.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, and Passive toward other corals. It should be positioned on high rockwork where it receives High PAR lighting (300-450 PAR) and strong, turbulent water flow to support its high metabolic rate and prevent stagnant areas within the colony.
• 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 digitata (Specific Strain)
• Primary Common Name: Bubblegum Montipora Digitata
• Other Common Names: Bubblegum Monti, Pink Digitata, Branching Montipora
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can form large, dense thickets (8+ inches tall)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Passive, but fast-growing and shading)
• Diet: Photosynthetic and Carnivore (Benefits from target feeding)
• Minimum Tank Size: 40 Gallons (Established SPS or Mixed Reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Excellent, hardy branching SPS option)
• Care Level: Moderate