What Is Montipora Capitata? A Species Profile

Montipora capitata is a species of small polyp stony (SPS) coral from the family Acroporidae. Commonly known as Rice Coral or Pore Coral, it is a reef-building organism found in tropical ocean regions. Its ability to form substantial colonies creates the complex structures of coral reefs that support a wide array of marine life.

Identifying Montipora Capitata

Montipora capitata is recognized for its diversity in growth forms, a trait known as phenotypic plasticity. Depending on its environment, it can be an encrusting layer, a wide plating structure, or have intricate branching formations. In areas with high wave action, it tends to grow in an encrusting form, while in calmer waters, it often develops a more delicate, branched morphology. This variability allows it to occupy a wide range of niches within a reef system.

The coloration of this coral is equally varied, appearing in shades of brown, green, pink, and purple, often with contrasting polyp colors. The surface is characterized by its verrucae, which are small bumps that contain the polyps. A defining feature is its minuscule corallites, the skeletal cups housing the polyps, which are embedded in the skeleton. This structure gives the coral a porous texture reminiscent of rice grains, lending it its common name.

Native Habitat and Geographic Range

Montipora capitata is widely distributed throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific and Central Pacific Oceans. Its range includes regions such as the Hawaiian Islands, where it is one of the most common reef-building corals, along with Japan, Australia, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands. The species has a notable presence in various reef zones, from shallow reef flats and lagoons to deeper fore-reef slopes.

This coral can be found in water depths ranging from just below the low tide line down to approximately 30 meters (about 100 feet). It inhabits areas with both turbulent, high-energy water flow and calmer, more protected environments. The species is accustomed to tropical sea temperatures, between 24°C and 27°C (75°F to 81°F).

Aquarium Care Requirements

Maintaining Montipora capitata in a home aquarium requires attention to specific environmental parameters. This species prefers moderate to high-intensity illumination, so placement should be in an area that receives strong light, such as the upper portions of the tank’s rockwork. This ensures the coral receives enough energy for photosynthesis, its main source of nutrition.

Water flow is another factor for the health of this coral. It prefers moderate to strong, but indirect, water movement to deliver nutrients and remove waste from its surface. Stable water chemistry is also needed to support skeletal growth, with consistent levels of:

• Temperature between 24°C and 26°C (75°F to 78°F)
• Salinity at a specific gravity of 1.025
• Alkalinity
• Calcium and magnesium

While primarily photosynthetic, it may benefit from supplemental feedings of plankton. It is not considered highly aggressive towards other corals.

Ecological Role and Conservation Status

As a primary reef-builder, the colonies of Montipora capitata create complex, three-dimensional structures. These formations provide shelter, breeding grounds, and foraging areas for a multitude of fish and invertebrate species. The architectural complexity it adds to the reef is fundamental to the health and function of the entire ecosystem.

The species faces threats from global climate change and local environmental stressors. Rising sea temperatures have led to widespread coral bleaching events, where the coral expels its symbiotic algae. Ocean acidification impairs its ability to build its calcium carbonate skeleton, while localized threats like pollution and disease also contribute to its decline. Due to these pressures, Montipora capitata is listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.