German Blue Montipora Digitata

German Blue Montipora Digitata: The Deep Blue Branching Coral

The German Blue Montipora Digitata (Montipora digitata species) is one of the most classic and sought-after collector strains of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral. Montipora digitata is renowned for being a hardy, relatively fast-growing branching variety, perfect for adding vertical structure to the reef.

This specific strain is prized for its saturated, deep, and uniform electric blue or royal blue base tissue. While the polyps may be slightly lighter blue or white, the overall impression is a vibrant, unmistakable blue that fluoresces strongly under actinic (blue) lighting. It is one of the few corals that maintain such a deep blue coloration in captivity.

The German Blue Montipora Digitata grows in a dense, columnar, or branching morphology, forming thick, finger-like branches. It is considered a Moderate care SPS coral. It is forgiving regarding minor parameter swings compared to Acropora, but it requires consistent chemistry, high light, and strong water flow to maintain its growth rate and deep blue 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 accelerating growth and enhancing 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. It lacks powerful sweeper tentacles, but its branching growth can quickly shade out and potentially harm slower-growing corals placed beneath it. Place it with ample vertical and horizontal 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 water within the colony's structure.
• 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: German Blue Montipora Digitata
• Other Common Names: German Blue Monti, Blue Digitata, Blue 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