Leaf plate montipora facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leaf plate montipora |
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| Montipora capricornis, probably in a reef aquarium | |
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Leaf plate montipora (Montipora capricornis), also known as vase coral, cap coral, or plating montipora, is a type of small polyp stony (SPS) coral. It belongs to the Acroporidae family. These corals are known for their amazing shapes and colors. They are a popular choice for home aquariums.
Contents
Description
What Does It Look Like?
Montipora capricornis corals grow in flat, plate-like shapes. They spread out by adding new layers to their base. If you look closely, you'll see tiny "bumps" on the coral's surface. These bumps are the individual coral polyps.
At night, these polyps come out from their skeleton. They use their tiny tentacles to catch plankton for food. The polyps are usually clear. They might have small patches of color. This color comes from tiny algae called zooxanthellae. These algae live inside the coral's tissue. They have a special partnership with the coral.
Habitat
Where Does Montipora Live?
Montipora capricornis is a very common type of coral. You can find it in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It also lives in reefs in the Red Sea.
This coral usually lives in the top part of a reef. This is where there is plenty of sunlight. Sunlight is important because the zooxanthellae algae need it for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is how the algae make food, which they share with the coral. Montipora capricornis will grow outwards to reach areas with enough sunlight. It loves warm, sunny waters in coral reefs.
Aquarium Trade
Keeping Montipora in a Home Aquarium
Montipora capricornis is one of the most popular SPS corals for home aquariums. It comes in many colors, like red, green, and orange. Many people think it's a good coral for beginners. This is because it can handle conditions that are not perfect better than its cousin, Acropora.
If you keep Montipora capricornis in a reef aquarium, it prefers certain conditions:
- Water Temperature: It likes stable water temperatures. A good range is about 75 to 80 °F (24 to 27 °C).
- Lighting: This coral needs strong light. Lights like metal halides are great. Even a good compact fluorescent lighting system can work.
- Water Flow: Montipora capricornis relies on water currents to bring it food. So, it needs moderate to strong water flow.
- Feeding: Most SPS corals don't need extra food. They get most of their energy from the algae inside them. But, adding phytoplankton and special trace elements to the water can help them grow.
- Placement: If your lighting is moderate, place the coral in the top half of your tank. If you have very strong lighting, place it a bit lower. Always put it on a rock base, not directly on the sand.
See also
In Spanish: Montipora capricornis para niños
