why does montipora break so easy

[chris_h]

In my experiences montipora is very fragile and breaks a lot, but it doesnt matter since it grows so fast. Does anyone know why montipora is more fragile than all other sps.

 

[Anonymous]

I think I've got an idea why.

I accidentally break off a piece about once a month. This frag usually gets given or traded away--it's a way of propagating itself faster.

Ty

 

[2poor2reef]

I would imagine that there is variation in density of skeleton from one coral species verus another. That would account for differing fragility.

 

[smokinreefer]

i agree.
it is b/c its skeletal structure is not as strong as others.

 

[monkeyboy]

On top of having an already brittle skeleton, SPS corals are notorious for growing less dense skeletons in captivity.

 

[KenH]

Coral Osteoporosis?

I have looked at Montipora (digitata) under a magnifier. It has a very porous looking structure compared to most other SPS corals. The polyps and resulting corallite stuctures cover the entire skeletal structure creating a honeycomb affect. Most other SPS corals have areas between the polyps where the structure is more dense and therefore stronger.

Here is a poor pic of a Montipora digitata branch which sort of shows what I am talking about.

--- Ken