Fairy Tale Montipora

Fairy Tale Montipora: The Pastel Multi-Color Plater

The Fairy Tale Montipora (Montipora species) is a highly delicate and beautiful collector strain of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral. Montipora species are a diverse group known for their varied growth forms and bright coloration.

This specific strain is named "Fairy Tale" for its soft, ethereal, and complex pastel colors. It often exhibits a blend of hues, typically featuring a pale purple or lavender base tissue that subtly transitions to light blue or pink near the growing edges. The surface is covered by numerous, contrasting polyps in bright neon green or occasionally yellow. The overall effect is soft, iridescent, and highly fluorescent.

The Fairy Tale Montipora typically grows in a thinly plating, scrolling, or encrusting morphology. It is considered a Moderate to Advanced care SPS coral. While Montipora are generally hardy, the delicate pastel coloration of this particular strain requires more rigorous stability, high light, and ample flow to prevent browning or fading.

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 supporting rapid growth and maintaining its light, vibrant 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. Strategic placement away from aggressive LPS or shading corals is critical.
• 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 and ensure even growth.
• Water Requirements: Requires extreme stability. The tank must be mature with very low nutrient levels (Nitrate < 5 ppm, Phosphate < 0.1 ppm). Consistency in alkalinity is paramount. 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: Fairy Tale Montipora
• Other Common Names: Fairy Tale Plating Monti, Pastel Blue/Purple 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 to Advanced