Mai Tai Montipora Setosa

Mai Tai Montipora Setosa: The Tropical Orange Highlighter

The Mai Tai Montipora Setosa (Montipora setosa species) is an incredibly vibrant and sought-after collector strain of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral. Montipora setosa is a uniquely fuzzy, plating-to-encrusting species known for its strong fluorescence and ease of care relative to other SPS.

This specific strain is named "Mai Tai" for its brilliant, tropical, cocktail-inspired coloration. It features an intense, highly saturated hot orange or reddish-orange base tissue. This base is dramatically highlighted by numerous, densely packed, contrasting polyps in bright neon yellow or yellowish-green. The fine, fuzzy polyps give the coral a soft texture and an overall intense, glowing appearance.

The Mai Tai Montipora Setosa grows in a thickly encrusting, tiered, or occasionally plating morphology. It is considered a Moderate care SPS coral and is highly durable. It requires consistent water chemistry, high light, and ample water flow to maintain its rapid growth and maximum 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 polyp extension. Its small, fuzzy 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 setosa lacks powerful sweeper tentacles, but its growth form is aggressive in terms of territory. It can quickly encrust and overgrow adjacent corals, competing effectively for space. Proper placement is essential.
• 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 (300-450 PAR), which is crucial for maintaining the deep orange color, and strong, turbulent water flow to prevent detritus buildup and encourage even 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 setosa (Specific Strain)
• Primary Common Name: Mai Tai Montipora Setosa
• Other Common Names: Mai Tai Monti, Hot Orange Setosa
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Forms thick encrusting plates (8+ inches in diameter)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Passive, but aggressively encrusting)
• Diet: Photosynthetic and Carnivore (Benefits from target feeding)
• Minimum Tank Size: 40 Gallons (Established SPS or Mixed Reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Excellent, hardy SPS option)
• Care Level: Moderate