Chili Pepper Montipora

The Chili Pepper Montipora is one of the classic collector's morphs that has remained popular in the reefing hobby for years. As an encrusting Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral, it's a member of the diverse Montipora genus, known for its wide range of colours and growth forms. This particular variety is valued for its intense base colour and contrasting polyps.

This Montipora exhibits a deep red to orange base that encrusts over live rock, eventually forming a solid plate of colour. The surface is covered in tiny polyps that are typically a brighter, fiery red, creating a vibrant and textured appearance. Under proper lighting, the colouration is exceptionally rich. Its growth pattern follows the contours of the rockwork, making it an excellent coral for adding colour to the main reef structure.

Successful care requires attention to stability, typical for most SPS corals. Provide moderate to high lighting, in the 250-450 PAR range, to maintain its deep red colouration. Water flow should be moderate to strong and indirect to ensure waste is removed and nutrients are delivered to the polyps. Place it in the middle to upper regions of the tank where it can receive adequate light and flow. Maintain stable water parameters: calcium at 420-440 ppm, alkalinity at 8-10 dKH, and magnesium around 1300-1400 ppm. While primarily photosynthetic, it will benefit from occasional broadcast feeding of fine particulate foods. Give it plenty of space to encrust, as it will grow over neighbouring corals that can't defend themselves.

In a well-maintained reef aquarium, the Chili Pepper Montipora serves as a great indicator of water quality and stability. Its steady growth and deep colour are signs of a healthy system. It is a peaceful coral that works well in a dedicated SPS tank or a mixed reef with other non-aggressive inhabitants, adding a strong patch of red to the aquascape.

This is a WYSIWYG item, so you'll receive the exact specimen pictured.

We take livestock seriously. That's why we don't sell anything we wouldn't be comfortable putting in our own tank.

As we are direct from source, we import and sell direct to the public. This means you can buy with confidence knowing EMA prides itself on excellent handling and conditioning protocols.

Fish

All our fish held in a quarantine system for a minimum of 3 weeks. During this time, regular water changes are performed, and twice daily (or sometimes more) feedings are performed.

Copper is dosed and checked twice a day for ich and velvet.

During this treatment fish are given formalin baths for brooklynella and a minimum of 3 praziquantel doses is performed for flukes.

Coral

Our coral is quarantined for a minimum of 3 weeks, just like fish. During this time, regular water changes are performed, water testing done, and once a month a Fauna Marin ICP Total is performed.

Corals are inspected for pests/general health and are provided with a pest dip once a week for at least 3 weeks.

If we see signs of pests, the quarantine period is extended and/or additional dips are performed

If coral is bleached/unhealthy, it will remain in quarantine until healthy enough to sell.