Finger Porites (Porites compressa) Care Guide
Porites compressa is a branching finger coral common around Hawaii, a hardy zooxanthellate reef builder listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Porites compressa, the finger or hump coral, is a small-polyp stony coral in the family Poritidae, described by Dana in 1846. Its cylindrical branches often fuse together, and it is generally pale brown or grey. It is a slow-growing but long-lived reef builder; colonies may reach great age, and it is the dominant coral in Hawaii's Kāneʻohe Bay, sometimes forming monospecific stands.
Taxonomy
- Family: Poritidae
- Genus: Porites
- Scientific name: Porites compressa
- Authority: Dana, 1846
Habitat
It occurs across the Indo-Pacific, the Red Sea and the East African coast and is common around Hawaii. It grows on coral reefs and in shallow lagoons to depths of about 30 m, preferring relatively undisturbed water.
Symbiosis and feeding
Porites compressa is a zooxanthellate coral whose symbiotic unicellular algae supply energy through photosynthesis. In aquaria it is sustained mainly by lighting, with amino-acid supplements aiding growth.
Reef-tank requirements
- Lighting: 150-250 PAR (medium-high)
- Flow: medium-high
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific gravity: 1.025-1.026
- Alkalinity (dKH): 7.5-9
- Calcium: 420-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1300-1400 ppm
- Phosphate: below 0.05 ppm
- Nitrate: below 10 ppm
- Minimum tank maturity: about 3 months
Compatibility
It is a passive, reef-safe coral suitable alongside fish and shrimp. It is more bleaching-resistant than many corals but remains susceptible to coral diseases, so stable parameters are important.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Wild populations face pressure from rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, trawling, invasive species, pollution and aquarium-trade collection.
Porites compressa (Finger Coral) Propagation Guide
Overview
Porites compressa is a small-polyp stony coral in the family Poritidae. Like other Porites it has a finger-like morphology, growing as branching colonies with very small polyps, and it harbours symbiotic zooxanthellae in its tissues. Porites are notably halotolerant, withstanding wide daily swings in salinity in the wild, which reflects their general hardiness as a genus.
Reproductive Mode
Porites colonies disperse through planktonic larvae that settle on the substrate, although the genus is also known to propagate vegetatively. Detached fragments that remain alive can establish new colonies further down the reef, which is the natural process the aquarist mirrors when fragging a branching species like compressa.
Fragging / Asexual Propagation
Because compressa is a branching Porites, propagation is straightforward: cut a finger-like branch from a healthy colony, then mount the cutting on a frag plug or piece of rock. Dry the base of the frag and the plug so the bond holds, add a couple of dabs of cyanoacrylate glue, secure the piece, and place it in low flow until the glue cures. The frag then encrusts the plug and resumes branching.
Conditions for Propagation
As a photosynthetic SPS, a compressa frag needs stable reef parameters, moderate to high light, and good water movement to keep its small polyps clean and extended. Frags taken from vigorous colonies attach and grow back fastest. Although hardy, Porites growth is gradual, so allow time before the frag visibly thickens.
Common Challenges
The small polyps and smooth surface make tissue recession hard to spot early, so inspect new frags closely. Maintaining strong flow helps shed mucus and discourages algae from settling on freshly cut tissue while it heals onto the plug.