Confusa montipora (Montipora confusa) care guide

Group
Corals
Other names
Confusa monti, Encrusting montipora
Family
Acroporidae
Origin
Indo-West Pacific reefs
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
intermediate
Reef safe
yes
Lighting
Moderate to high
Flow
Moderate to strong

Care

Montipora confusa is a small-polyp stony (SPS) coral that grows as an encrusting base with short, bumpy upright branches. Aquarium forms are usually green or purple, and it is known for fast growth and hardiness for an SPS coral. LiveAquaria does not sell this species by name; the care below draws on its Montipora capricornis listing, a close relative in the same genus. Placement: middle to upper rockwork, with moderate to high light and moderate to strong flow. Under very strong lighting it can sit lower. It encrusts rock quickly, so give it space. Water: alkalinity dKH 8–12, calcium 400–450 ppm, and stable magnesium, with calcium and alkalinity kept up by a two-part supplement. Stability matters more than exact figures. Growth is fast. Selling: this is a CITES Appendix II coral. Frags grown in the UK can be sold freely; wild-collected or imported pieces must have been legally imported with CITES paperwork. Aquacultured frags are common. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/red-candy-cap-coral). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Mainly photosynthetic. Fine zooplankton or coral foods broadcast occasionally help growth.

Breeding

Easy. Cut branches or encrusting sections with bone cutters and glue them to plugs with gel superglue or epoxy.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful, but it can be stung by LPS sweeper tentacles. Its encrusting growth can creep over rock and neighbours, so keep space around it. Watch for Montipora-eating nudibranchs.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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