Red Montipora palawanensis had some very prominent large verrucae on its surface. These verrucae fuse into continuous ridges or formed irregular patterns. A large plate of this coral with its large ridged tuberculae can make for an exotic looking coral. This is a slow to moderate growing coral that forms thick plates. The surface of the plate is an intense red/orange coloration with blue polyps.
This type of encrusting Montipora is ideal for someone starting SPS corals because they are one of the easier SPS corals to care for. Although, they do still need stable conditions so should be introduced to an established tank. Once the coral is established in your reef tank its growth can dwarf other corals when provided the right lighting, combined with a medium water movement within the aquarium and the addition of calcium and other trace elements to the water.
Montipora Corals come in a vast variety of forms and colors, but this variety is colored pink with green polyps. This is a fast growing coral that tends to dwarf others, so make sure it places somewhere in the tank with ample room to grow. Encrusting Montiporas need moderate to high flow rates and lighting. They may also benefit from being target fed microplankton.
📏SIZE: ~.5-1"
⛅LIGHT: Moderate to high
🌊FLOW: Moderate to high
TEMPERAMENT: Peaceful
LEVEL OF CARE: Moderate