Common name: Pore coral

General information

Montipora aequituberculata, commonly known as Montipora Coral or Rice Coral, is a small polyp stony (SPS) coral that is popular among reef aquarium enthusiasts for its diverse forms and colors. This species is known for its encrusting habit, where it spreads across the substrate, and for its ability to form plates or branching structures as it grows.

Care

Montipora aequituberculata requires stable water conditions and intense lighting to thrive in captivity. It is recommended to maintain calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels within the appropriate ranges for SPS corals. Moderate to strong water flow is also beneficial as it aids in nutrient uptake and removal of waste products.

Symbiosis

Like many SPS corals, Montipora aequituberculata has a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, photosynthetic algae that live within its tissues. The coral provides the algae with a protected environment and compounds necessary for photosynthesis, while the algae produce oxygen and help the coral to remove waste products, as well as providing a significant portion of the coral's nutritional needs through the sugars they produce.

Habitat

Montipora aequituberculata is found in the Indo-Pacific region, typically in shallow, sunny reef environments where it can receive ample light for photosynthesis. It is often seen in a variety of reef settings, from back reef slopes to lagoon patch reefs.