How fast does Montipora digitata grow?

It is considered very fast for an SPS coral; under ideal lighting and stable alkalinity, it can easily add one to two centimetres of branching growth per month.

Why is my Montipora turning brown?

Browning is typically caused by insufficient lighting or elevated nutrient levels (such as high nitrate or phosphate), which prompt an overpopulation of the brown symbiotic zooxanthellae within the coral tissue.

Do I need to actively feed my Montipora?

It does not strictly require targeted feeding as it derives most of its energy from photosynthesis. However, broadcasting amino acids or micro-particulate coral foods will enhance both growth and colour.

How do I frag Montipora digitata?

Fragmentation is very straightforward: simply break or cut off a piece of the branch and attach it to a frag plug or piece of rubble using cyanoacrylate (superglue gel). It will quickly heal and encrust the new surface.

Is it aggressive towards other corals?

No, it lacks the stinging sweeper tentacles found in many stony corals. Its main competitive strategy is rapid growth, meaning it can physically shade or overgrow its slower-growing neighbours.

MarineCoralsIntermediate

Montipora Digitata

Montipora digitata

Montipora digitata is a fast-growing, branching SPS coral highly popular among reef keepers for its vibrant colours and forgiving nature.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 27 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
Salinity: 1.024 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 10 – 30 cm
Suitable for stable nano reefs upwards: 75 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 50 years
Diet: Photosynthetic and micro-plankton
Water flow: Moderate to strong, turbulent
Preferred setup: Stable reef aquarium with established biological filtration

About the Montipora Digitata

Known commonly as the Finger Montipora or Branching Monti, this species forms arborescent (tree-like) colonies with thick, blunt-ended branches. It is widely considered one of the best introductory Small Polyp Stony (SPS) corals due to its hardiness compared to more demanding Acropora species. The coral's surface appears velvety owing to its dense network of tiny polyps and skeletal ridges.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Montipora Digitata comes from

Native range

Indo-Pacific, Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef

Countries / regions

Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Fiji

Habitat

Shallow reef environments, clear lagoons, and upper reef slopes exposed to strong currents.

Widespread across the Indo-West Pacific, often forming large monospecific stands in optimal conditions.

Similar species

Plating Montipora
Montipora capricornis
Montipora Samarensis
Montipora samarensis
Green Bali Slimer
Acropora yongei
Birdsnest Coral
Seriatopora hystrix

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Completely reef-safe and will not bother or nip at SPS corals.
Great
Cleaner Shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis
Reef-safe invertebrate that does not harm polyps and helps maintain a clean tank.
Great
Galaxea Coral
Galaxea fascicularis
Galaxea produces extremely long sweeper tentacles that can severely sting and kill nearby Montipora tissue.
Compatible with caution
Flame Angelfish
Centropyge loricula
Dwarf angelfish can occasionally develop a taste for SPS polyps and may constantly nip at the coral.
Compatible with caution
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Chaetodon lunula
A known corallivore that will actively consume stony coral polyps.
Not recommended

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