Spongodes Montipora

The Spongodes Montipora (Montipora spongodes) is a uniquely structured, fast-growing Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral celebrated for its unusual combination of encrusting, plating, and vertical branch-building growth forms. A staple in the SPS hobby, this striking piece features a smooth, neon lime-green to forest-green tissue base studded with velvety chocolate-brown, olive, or purple polyps, often developing bright white or light teal growth tips along its vertical ridges.

Coloration: Electric lime-green to emerald coenosteum (tissue), accented by rich chocolate-brown, dark olive, or purple polyps, and finished with pale white, mint, or teal leading edges on upward growth points.

Growth Pattern: Complex Hybrid (starts as an encrusting basal mat, then sends up thick, irregular vertical ridges, scrolls, and columnar finger-like projections). Sold as a frag on a 0.5 – 1 inch frag plug.

Lighting: Moderate to High (PAR 150–300).

Water Flow: Moderate to High (Strong, multi-directional flow to deliver nutrients through its dense, ridged structure).

Feeding: Photosynthetic; extends tiny micro-polyps during the day to capture liquid amino acids, micro-plankton, and fine organic particulates.

Aggressiveness: Peaceful / Defenseless (lacks stinging tentacles; relies on fast growth to compete for space, but is easily stung by aggressive LPS or anemones).

Care Level: Easy to Moderate (One of the most forgiving, adaptable SPS corals available, making it an ideal choice for reefers transitioning into Stony corals).