Polar Nova Montipora (Montipora sp.)
The Polar Nova Montipora is a distinctive branching SPS coral, also known as Velvet Branch or Velvet Finger Coral. It has a soft, textured appearance created by dense polyps covering the branch surface, giving it a velvety look under reef lighting.
 
Key Information
Type: SPS Coral
Care Level: Intermediate
Lighting: Medium to High
Flow: Medium to High
Placement: Middle to upper reef
 
Description
This Montipora forms thick, upright branches with a heavily textured surface. Its dense polyp coverage gives the coral a soft, velvet-like appearance, while the cool blue-green tones and frosted highlights create a crisp glow under blue lighting.
 
As it matures, the Polar Nova Montipora develops into a branching colony with a rounded, sculpted structure, with colouration turning to a stunning electric blue. Its unusual growth form makes it an excellent choice for adding height, texture, and contrast to SPS-dominated reef aquariums.
 
Water Parameters
Temperature: 24–26°C
Salinity: 1.025
Alkalinity: 7.5–9 dKH
Calcium: 400–450 ppm
 
Feeding
Primarily photosynthetic, but may benefit from occasional supplemental feeding, including:
Amino acids
Fine particulate coral foods
Broadcast coral feeding
 
Compatibility
Reef safe. Allow space from neighbouring corals, as branching Montipora can shade nearby corals and compete for growing room as the colony expands.
 
Notes
Best suited to established reef aquariums with stable parameters. Branching Montipora are generally considered more forgiving than many Acropora, but they still benefit from consistent alkalinity, good flow, and stable nutrients. With suitable conditions, the Polar Nova Montipora should reward good husbandry with steady growth and strong polyp extension.
 
Photography Notes
Photo taken using an iPhone with a macro lens under approximately 30% blue lighting using a Reef Bar.