Setosa montipora (Montipora setosa) care guide

Group
Corals
Other names
Monti setosa, Setosa monti
Family
Acroporidae
Origin
Indo-Pacific, from the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific
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; about PAR 200–300
Flow
Moderate to strong, varied

Care

Montipora setosa is a small-polyp stony (SPS) coral with an encrusting base that can push up short lumps, ridges or branches. Its surface is covered in tiny raised bumps between the polyps, giving it a fuzzy, textured look. Aquarium colours include orange, red, purple and green. Place it in the middle to upper rockwork. LiveAquaria lists Montipora as moderate in care, with moderate light and medium flow, and notes that their shape depends a lot on light and flow. Like other montiporas it is more forgiving than Acropora. Water: LiveAquaria gives dKH 8–12, pH 8.1–8.4, specific gravity 1.023–1.025 and 22–26 °C, with calcium, strontium, iodine and trace elements. Keep calcium around 400–450 ppm, alkalinity steady at dKH 8–12 and magnesium around 1250–1350 ppm, and avoid daily alkalinity swings. Growth is usually steady to fast once the coral has encrusted its base. Montipora are widely aquacultured; captive-grown frags are the best choice. Check new pieces for Montipora-eating nudibranchs and their eggs. 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. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/red-candy-cap-coral). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Photosynthetic: zooxanthellae supply most of its energy. Zooplankton or fine coral foods now and then can support growth and colour.

Breeding

Frag by snapping or cutting a branch, lump or piece of the encrusting edge with bone cutters or a saw, then glue it to a plug with cyanoacrylate gel. It heals quickly and encrusts the plug.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful with a mild sting. It can be damaged by LPS with sweeper tentacles, so keep it 10–15 cm away from them. It may overgrow slower neighbours if left to spread. Watch for Montipora-eating nudibranchs.

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

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