Porites
Porites is an SPS coral that grows in finger-like or massive forms, valued for its toughness and longevity. Growth is slow, but it tolerates environmental changes well and is known as a coral you can keep for decades. As a photosynthetic species it needs moderate to strong lighting, yet its care level is considered beginner-friendly, making it approachable even for those new to SPS corals. Mature colonies reach around 10 to 30 cm, adding solid presence to a reef layout. It's well suited to hobbyists who enjoy the long-term process of growing a coral over many years.
View Porites encyclopedia →0% commission on your first sales!Register by September 30, 2026 and your first 2 sales are commission-free!
Breeder Wanted!
List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
Br-Choku's 6 Transparency Standards
Our Breeder sellers disclose detailed care specs for all Coral listings. We prioritize Aquacultured/CB specimens, verify WYSIWYG photos, and provide difficulty ratings—avoiding wild-caught.
- Aquacultured
- WYSIWYG Photo
- Difficulty Disclosed
- Frag/Colony
- Care Info Included
- Trade name shown
Browse all 66 breeds
Difficulty
Verified breeders wanted for Coral
Breeders are signing up now ahead of launch. Subscribe to be notified when new listings go live.
Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.
Browse other categories
Verified breeders (preview)
About Porites
Porites is a tough, long-lived SPS coral. Growth is slow but it's beginner-friendly, thriving under moderate to strong lighting for decades of reefkeeping.
7 things to know before welcoming a Porites
1Provide moderate to strong lighting
Since Porites relies on photosynthesis, it needs moderate to strong lighting. Place it where light reaches well within the tank. Insufficient light can make it harder to maintain healthy growth and coloration.
2Expect slow, steady growth
Porites is a slow-growing coral. Visible changes take time compared to other corals, but this comes with notable toughness and stability for long-term keeping.
3Plan for decades of keeping
With a lifespan measured in decades, Porites is a long-term commitment. Plan your tank layout and space with its eventual mature size of 10 to 30 cm in mind.
4Resilient to environmental shifts
Known as a very hardy coral, Porites tolerates minor fluctuations in water quality relatively well. Still, maintaining stable water conditions remains the foundation of good health.
5Approachable for beginners
Care level is classified as beginner-friendly. While SPS corals often have a reputation for being difficult, Porites is relatively approachable within that category.
6Consider future size when placing
Since mature colonies reach 10 to 30 cm, it's important to secure enough space for future growth, not just the size at the time of purchase.
7Two growth forms: branching or massive
Porites grows either in finger-like branches or in a massive, rounded form, so you can choose based on your layout goals. Both forms share the same underlying toughness.
Frequently asked questions about Porites
- Q.Can beginners keep Porites?
- A.Yes, its care level is classified as beginner-friendly. It's a relatively hardy and manageable species among SPS corals.
- Q.How large does Porites grow?
- A.Mature colonies reach around 10 to 30 cm. Since growth is slow, it takes time to reach that size.
- Q.How long can Porites be kept?
- A.Its lifespan is measured in decades, making it a coral you can keep for a very long time. Combined with its hardiness, it's a species suited to a long-term relationship.
- Q.How much lighting does it need?
- A.As a photosynthetic coral, it needs moderate to strong lighting. Place it where light reaches sufficiently within the tank.
- Q.Is Porites subject to any regulations?
- A.Porites is not subject to CITES.
Useful tools for Porites care
Learn more about Porites in the encyclopedia
View Porites encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
Porites related articles
See more Porites articles →More in this category
Can't find the one you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and breeders with matching animals will contact you with introductions.

