{"product_id":"purple-green-orange-polyp-montipora","title":"Purple \u0026 Green\/Orange polyp Montipora","description":"\u003cp\u003eMontipora corals are a favorite among SPS enthusiasts for their diverse growth forms and vibrant colors. This particular variety features a rich purple base coloration that provides a background for its contrasting polyps. As a plating species, it typically grows in flat, scrolling sheets, creating interesting ledges and overlapping plates that add structural diversity to a reef scape. It is one of the faster-growing SPS corals, making it a rewarding species for aquarists looking to fill space with color and texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Montipora displays a classic plating or encrusting growth habit. The base tissue is typically a shade of purple, and under proper lighting, this color can become quite pronounced. The small polyps, which may appear green or orange, dot the surface of the coral, creating a subtle but engaging contrast. The texture is usually smooth with small bumps, characteristic of many Montipora species. Its growth edge will often be a lighter shade, indicating active, healthy calcification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor optimal health, Montipora species require stable reef aquarium conditions. Lighting should be in the moderate to high range, around 250-450 PAR. Water flow should be strong and indirect or chaotic to ensure detritus does not settle on its surface and that nutrients are delivered consistently. Placement in the middle to upper third of the aquarium is generally recommended. While largely photosynthetic, this coral can benefit from broadcast feeding of fine particulate foods like amino acids or specialized SPS formulas. Maintain calcium between 400-450 ppm, alkalinity at 8-12 dKH, and magnesium around 1300-1450 ppm. This coral is peaceful with no sweeper tentacles, but it will encrust over nearby corals, so provide ample space for it to grow. Slow drip acclimation is advised to prevent shock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Purple Montipora makes for a worthwhile addition to a mixed reef tank, acting as a great introductory species for those new to keeping small polyp stony corals. Its speed of growth and unique structure can quickly transform the look of a maturing reef, offering a different dimension than branching or boulder-type corals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease note: This is not a WYSIWYG item. You will receive a coral frag of the same species and similar coloration\/quality to what is photographed, but the exact specimen may vary. Each piece is unique and hand-selected for health and color.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eastern Marine Aquariums","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42248905064503,"sku":"EMA-SPS-20260528-2J3S","price":120.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1849\/1739\/files\/b22ed24b-1683-4edd-8b35-01b270b5b5e7-_MG_3930.png?v=1779993463","url":"https:\/\/easternmarineaquariums.co.nz\/products\/purple-green-orange-polyp-montipora","provider":"EasternMarine Aquariums","version":"1.0","type":"link"}