Megatron Montipora

Megatron Montipora: The Intense Blue and Red Destroyer

The Megatron Montipora (Montipora species) is an elite, highly sought-after collector strain of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral. Montipora species are foundational corals in the reef hobby, known for their rapid growth and varied morphology.

This specific strain is named "Megatron" for its dark, powerful, and highly contrasting coloration, often featuring colors associated with the Transformers villain. It typically exhibits a dominant base tissue of deep electric blue, violet, or dark purple. This base is dramatically contrasted by numerous, densely packed polyps in bright neon red, pink, or orange. The combination creates an intense, vibrant fluorescence that makes it a spectacular centerpiece.

The Megatron Montipora commonly grows in an encrusting or plating morphology. It is considered a Moderate care SPS coral. While hardier than Acropora, it requires consistent, pristine water chemistry, high light, and strong water flow to achieve and maintain its remarkable color saturation and rapid growth.

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 health. 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 expand and aggressively shade out lower-lying or slower-growing corals. Strategic placement is essential 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 vibrant coloration.
• Water Requirements: Requires stable parameters. The tank should be mature with very low nutrient levels (Nitrate < 5 ppm, Phosphate < 0.1 ppm). Consistency in alkalinity is crucial. 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: Megatron Montipora
• Other Common Names: Megatron Plating Monti, Blue/Red Polychromatic Monti
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can form large encrusting colonies/plates (12+ inches in diameter)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Passive, but aggressively competitive via shading)
• 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