Tubbs Stellata Montipora

Tubbs Stellata Montipora: The Classic Deep Blue Encruster

The Tubbs Stellata Montipora (Montipora stellata or similar encrusting Montipora species) is an iconic and foundational collector strain of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral. Montipora species are highly favored for their hardiness and ability to add color and texture to the aquascape.

This specific strain, often associated with the renowned coral vendor "Tubbs," is famous for its saturated, uniform deep blue or dark purple base tissue. Unlike some Montipora that rely on contrasting polyp colors, the beauty of the Tubbs Stellata lies in the intensity and depth of its tissue color, which fluoresces brilliantly under blue-spectrum lighting. Its polyps are typically small and slightly lighter than the base.

The Tubbs Stellata Montipora grows in a thickly encrusting or massive plating morphology. It is considered a Moderate care SPS coral. It is one of the hardier deep-water style Montipora and requires consistent water chemistry, but its best color is achieved under moderate light and ample flow, making it ideal for the middle section of the reef.

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 supporting robust tissue growth and deeper 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. Montipora lacks powerful sweeper tentacles, but as a fast-encrusting coral, it can grow quickly and compete for space by growing over rockwork and slower-moving neighbors. Proper spacing is necessary.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, and Passive toward other corals. It should be positioned on mid-level rockwork where it receives Moderate PAR lighting (150-300 PAR), which helps maintain the deep blue coloration, and strong, non-laminar, turbulent water flow to prevent detritus buildup on its surface.
• 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 stellata (or similar encrusting sp.)
• Primary Common Name: Tubbs Stellata Montipora
• Other Common Names: Tubbs Blue Monti, Deep Blue Montipora
• 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