Tropic Thunder Montipora

Tropic Thunder Montipora: The Neon Multi-Color Plater

The Tropic Thunder Montipora (Montipora species) is a highly attractive and distinctive collector strain of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral. Montipora species are highly regarded for their rapid growth and stability in captive reef systems.

This specific strain is named "Tropic Thunder" for its bright, intense, and complex polychromatic coloration, suggesting a chaotic mix of vibrant tropical hues. It typically exhibits a base tissue that ranges from deep purple, blue, or mauve. This base is dramatically contrasted by numerous, often sparse, polyps in intense neon green or bright yellow. Crucially, the growth edge often displays a vivid electric pink or reddish band, completing the tri-color profile.

The Tropic Thunder Montipora commonly grows in an encrusting or thinly plating morphology. It is considered a Moderate care SPS coral. It is generally hardier than Acropora but requires consistent water chemistry, high light, and ample water flow to maintain its rapid growth and brilliant 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 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. However, as a fast-encrusting/plating coral, it can quickly grow over and aggressively shade out lower-lying or slower-growing corals. Proper spacing is essential to prevent territorial disputes via shading.
• 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.
• 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 sp. (Specific Strain)
• Primary Common Name: Tropic Thunder Montipora
• Other Common Names: Tri-Color Plating Monti, Blue/Green/Pink 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 fast-growing and 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