Digitata

The Digitata Coral (specifically Montipora digitata) is the ultimate “gateway” coral for reefers transitioning from softies to SPS (Small Polyp Stony) corals. Unlike its cousin the “Plating Montipora,” Digitata grows in an upright, branching fashion that resembles thick, fuzzy fingers. It is famous for its incredible growth rate—it is often the fastest-growing stony coral in a reef tank—and its ability to create a “forest” look in the upper-mid sections of the aquarium.

Coloration: Dark blue with neon green polyps.

Size: 0.5-1 inch frag

Lighting: Moderate to High (200–350 PAR; it can handle high light, but it’s much more forgiving than Acropora).

Water flow: Medium to High (strong flow is necessary to keep the “branches” from trapping detritus and to ensure oxygen reaches the inner polyps).

Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic; it has very small polyps and benefits from dosing amino acids or fine particulate food (plankton).

Aggressiveness: Peaceful (it has no stingers, though it can eventually shade out or grow over slower neighbors).

Care Level: Easy for an SPS (very hardy and resilient to minor parameter swings).