Red Montipora Digitata

Red Montipora Digitata: The Scarlet Branching Coral

The Red Montipora Digitata (Montipora digitata species) is a classic and reliable strain of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral. Montipora digitata is one of the most robust and fast-growing branching Montipora varieties, popular for its distinctive finger-like growth structure.

This specific strain is prized for its uniform, saturated deep red or scarlet base tissue. The polyps often match the base color or may be slightly lighter red or pink, contributing to a rich, dense crimson appearance. The solid red color is highly visible and adds a dramatic tone to the reef environment.

The Red Montipora Digitata grows in a dense, columnar, or branching morphology, quickly forming thickets of tapered branches. It is considered a Moderate care SPS coral. It is generally forgiving regarding minor parameter fluctuations compared to Acropora but requires consistent alkalinity, high light, and strong flow to maintain its rapid, healthy growth and intense red 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 ensuring the deepest red coloring. 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 long sweeper tentacles, but due to its fast and dense branching growth, it can easily shade out slower-growing corals placed beneath it. Ensure it has ample vertical and horizontal clearance to grow without damaging neighbors.
• 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: Red Montipora Digitata
• Other Common Names: Red Monti, Scarlet Digitata, Cherry Red 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