Superman Montipora Digitata

Superman Montipora Digitata: The Red, Blue, and Yellow Hero

The Superman Montipora Digitata (Montipora digitata species) is an iconic and exceptionally popular collector strain of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral. Montipora digitata is one of the hardiest and fastest-growing branching Montipora varieties, known for its rigid, finger-like structure.

This specific strain is named "Superman" for its resemblance to the superhero's classic costume colors: a vibrant deep royal blue or violet base tissue is accented by bright neon red or pink polyps and often includes patches or rims of yellow or orange on the growth tips or base. This triple-color contrast is dramatic and highly fluorescent under blue-spectrum lighting.

The Superman Montipora Digitata grows in a dense, columnar, or branching morphology, forming thickets of tapered branches. It is considered a Moderate care SPS coral. It is forgiving of minor parameter fluctuations compared to Acropora, but it demands consistent water chemistry, high light, and strong water flow to maintain its health and signature tri-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 saturation. 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 quick and dense branching growth, it can easily shade out slower-growing corals placed beneath it. Ensure it has 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: Superman Montipora Digitata
• Other Common Names: Superman Monti, Blue/Red/Yellow Digitata, Tri-Color 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