Bubble gum Digitata

Bubble Gum Digitata is a colorful Montipora digitata variant known for bubble-pink to peach polyps on a contrasting base. It’s one of the more eye-catching digitatas and tends to grow fast once settled, making it great for farming and for collectors who want something bright but hardy.

Lighting

Moderate light around 120 to 200 PAR keeps the pink coloration vivid. Higher light can intensify the base color but sometimes washes out the polyps if pushed too far. Digitata generally adapts well but does best under stable intensity.

Flow

Moderate to strong, with random movement. You want enough turbulence to keep the branches clean and the polyps extended. Straight, laminar jets can cause the base to erode or branches to grow asymmetrically.

Placement

Mid to upper rockwork. Bubble Gum Digitata grows upright, forming neat branching clusters. Leave a bit of space because it grows fast and can shade lower corals. The branches are sturdy compared to some digitata variants but still snap easily if bumped.

Water parameters

Typical Montipora preferences apply.

Calcium about 420.
Alkalinity around 8 to 8.6.
Magnesium near 1350.
Nitrate 5 to 15.
Phosphate 0.03 to 0.1.

It maintains color best in nutrient-positive systems. Ultra-low nutrients dull the pink quickly.

Feeding

Photosynthesis and dissolved organics are the main fuel sources. Occasional amino acids can enhance the bubble-pink polyp glow but aren’t required.

Growth behavior

Fast and tidy. It encrusts the mount quickly, then forms upward branches with rounded tips. Its growth rate makes it an easy addition to propagation systems and a reliable repeater for your farm inventory.

Sensitivities

Montipora-eating nudibranchs are the primary pest threat. Digitata shows damage fast, often as small pale bite patches or missing tissue along the branches. Alk swings can burn the tips but recovery is usually quick once stabilized.

Compatibility

Peaceful coral. It doesn’t sting or send sweepers, but it will shade slower neighbors if allowed to grow unchecked. Give it a bit of breathing room and it thrives.