Monipora's

[Octupus]

why do some grow in layers on top of each others and others just grow flat and others more in a cylinderical shape? does it have to do with light/flow?

 

[PCFishman]

Different types of montipora. Encrusting and plating.

 

[returnofsid]

Flow and light both play an important part in the shape of corals. Surrounding corals will also effect growth patterns. Montipora is kind of a tough one because we usually recognize M. digitata and M. capricornis. However, there are many other species of Montipora corals, that have similar growth forms as the previous 2, but aren't exactly the same. Some will grow in more of a plating form, some will grow "vase-like" formations....etc.
In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if close to half the Montipora that we call M. capricornis, are one of 2 other Montipora species that grow very similarly.

 

[Myteemouse]

Flow and light both play an important part in the shape of corals. Surrounding corals will also effect growth patterns. Montipora is kind of a tough one because we usually recognize M. digitata and M. capricornis. However, there are many other species of Montipora corals, that have similar growth forms as the previous 2, but aren't exactly the same. Some will grow in more of a plating form, some will grow "vase-like" formations....etc.
In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if close to half the Montipora that we call M. capricornis, are one of 2 other Montipora species that grow very similarly.

X2 on that one I've seen hundreds of different growth patters on montipora cap.. type corals.. I just saw one localy that was the exact size and shape of a regular sized waffel cone from 21 flavors/Baskin-Robins..LOL

 

[returnofsid]

I bet it doesn't taste as good though!!

 

[Myteemouse]

nor smell good

 

[Octupus]

thank you!