Description
RF Red Montipora – Montipora palawensis
Montipora palawensis, offered here as the RF Red Montipora, is a premium Reeflections Farm aquacultured strain distinguished by its vivid crimson-red plating structure and exceptional fluorescence under blue-spectrum lighting. Cultured in stable, high-energy reef conditions, this coral develops smooth, overlapping plates with subtle rim definition and a velvety texture characteristic of healthy Montipora growth. Hardy yet visually striking, this aquacultured lineage maintains excellent color retention, rapid encrustation, and adaptability to a wide range of SPS systems.
Lighting: Moderate to high (180–300 PAR); blue-dominant lighting enhances red pigmentation and contrast along the plate edges
Flow: Moderate to strong; thrives under turbulent, multidirectional flow that prevents sediment buildup and promotes even plate growth
Placement: Middle to upper regions of the aquarium with open horizontal space for plating expansion; avoid shading from other SPS colonies
Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
Salinity: 1.025–1.026 SG
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–9 dKH; must remain stable to prevent color loss or recession
Calcium: 420–460 ppm
Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm
Nutrients: Low to moderate (NO₃ 2–10 ppm, PO₄ 0.02–0.08 ppm); trace nutrients enhance color saturation without promoting algae growth
Feeding: Photosynthetic but benefits from occasional broadcast feeding with reef plankton or amino acid supplements to enhance growth and tissue density
Aggression: Low; non-stinging, but can overgrow slower encrusting corals
Growth Rate: Fast; forms broad, spiraling plates under strong light and flow, encrusting quickly onto rockwork
Care Level: Intermediate – suitable for experienced reef keepers familiar with SPS parameter stability
Compatibility: Peaceful; well-suited for SPS-dominated systems with ample spacing to accommodate lateral expansion
