Hirsuta - Montipora hirsuta

Hirsuta (Montipora hirsuta)

Hirsuta is an attractive SPS coral appreciated for its fine branching structure, textured surface and bright reef colouration under suitable lighting. Its compact, bushy growth makes it a useful coral for adding shape, height and natural reef structure to a stable SPS or mixed reef aquarium.

Common Name:
Hirsuta, Montipora Hirsuta, Branching Montipora

Scientific Name (Latin):
Montipora hirsuta

Coral Type:
SPS Coral

Growth Form:
Branching to bushy growth form with fine textured branches and small polyps.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Montipora hirsuta is found across Indo-Pacific reef environments, usually on reef slopes, shallow reef structures and well-lit rocky areas where it receives strong water movement, clear water and stable tropical reef conditions.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Alkalinity: 7–10 dKH
Calcium: 400–450 ppm
Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
Nitrate: Low but detectable
Phosphate: Low but detectable

Lighting:
MEDIUM TO HIGH
Hirsuta generally does best under medium to high reef lighting. Strong lighting can help maintain colour and healthy growth, but it should be acclimated gradually to avoid bleaching, paling or tissue stress.

Flow:
MEDIUM TO HIGH
Provide moderate to strong, indirect and random flow. Good water movement helps keep the branches clear of detritus and supports healthy gas exchange. Avoid constant direct flow blasting one area of tissue, as this can cause irritation or recession.

Placement:
Place on middle to upper rockwork where the coral can receive good light and consistent flow. Allow enough room around the coral for branching growth and avoid placing it where it may be shaded by larger corals or overgrown by faster-growing species.

Temperament / Aggression:
Peaceful to semi-aggressive
Hirsuta does not usually have long sweeper tentacles, but it can compete for space as it grows. Provide sensible spacing from neighbouring corals, especially fleshy LPS corals or aggressive species that may sting its tissue.

Feeding:
Photosynthetic, but benefits from feeding
This coral receives most of its energy from light through its symbiotic zooxanthellae. It may benefit from amino acids, fine coral foods and very small suspended particulate foods in a mature reef system, although heavy target feeding is not required.

Growth Rate:
Moderate
In a stable reef aquarium, Hirsuta can grow steadily, developing a fuller branching structure over time. Growth is strongly supported by stable alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, lighting and flow.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Hirsuta is best kept in a mature, stable reef aquarium with consistent alkalinity and low but detectable nutrients. Avoid sudden changes in light intensity, salinity or alkalinity, as SPS corals can react quickly to instability. Ensure detritus does not settle between the branches and inspect carefully before introduction. Coral dips are recommended where appropriate, particularly to reduce the risk of SPS pests and Montipora-eating nudibranchs.

Suitable for:
Intermediate reefkeepers

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on colour intensity, supplier naming and season.

All images are a visual representation of the coral you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns, colours and growth form will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.