Montiporais an amazing group of stony corals which is second only toAcropora物种数量nd general abundance. Where Acros are differentiated based mostly on the branching shape and corallite structure,Montiporawent a different direction instead opting to diversify its surface details and structure.
Last week we wrote about the incredibly colored Kung Pao Monti, a wild strain ofMontipora palawanensis,which elevated this species to the same level of aquarium prominence asMontipora Undata，M。Danae和M. monasteriata.所有这些敏感的物种之间存在着连续的形式，很难定义一个物种结束的地方，另一个物种开始。
But today we want to introduce you to another species we’re beginning to see more often in the aquarium hobby,Montipora verruculosus. Not to be confused with another similar looking species,Montipora verrucosa,both species develop a surface covered by nodules, butM. Verrucosahas very crowded nodes and a submassive growth form which can develop into thick branches whileM. verruculosushas uncrowded nodes which align into ridges at the growth margins, while .
It is this ridged pattern at the margins which can confound the appearance ofMontipora verruculosuswithM. palawanensis. And frankly, since nodule formation tends to increase with high light, it might behardimpossible to tell the difference from a shallow waterM. verruculosusfrom a shade-grownM. palawananensis.
通过获得大部分碎片，并且接触到良好的成熟菌落，因此在水族馆业余爱好中的石质珊瑚识别挑战变得更加困难。我们的意图不是读者摆脱本文，是完美识别几种密切相关的蒙蒂普拉物种的大师。
Instead, we wish for you to recognize that there is real tangible species diversity among the bumpy-surfacedMontiporathat are being trade-named by everyone and their uncle. If you even slightly begin to recognize the characteristics of the different species, you’ll hopefully develop a deeper appreciation the for diversity in this group ofMontiporacorals.
