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.
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.