
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Porites lutea
A Porites forming smooth hemispherical or helmet-shaped mounds that can exceed 4 m in the wild. Its tiny corallites, 1-1.5 mm across, look filled with skeletal elements. Usually cream or yellow.
Porites lutea is a stony coral of the family Poritidae distributed in the Indo-Pacific from Madagascar and East Africa to Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan and northern and eastern Australia. Colonies are smooth hemispherical or helmet-shaped mounds that can exceed 4 m across, and in the intertidal zone they form 'micro-atolls' with a dead top and living rim that keeps growing sideways (Wikipedia). The corallites are thin-walled and closely packed, about 1-1.5 mm across. Colour is usually cream or yellow but may be bright in shallow water (Corals of the World). Underwater its corallites look filled with skeletal elements, whereas those of the similar P. lobata look more open. P. cylindrica on this site is a branching species. Massive Porites often carry the calcareous tubes of Christmas tree worms embedded in the colony (Britannica Japan), and in Japan this species reaches specialist shops as mounds bearing these worms. Reeflex notes it is not a beginner coral.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Lobe Coral grows to Wild colonies may exceed 4 m across (Corals of the World).
The ideal temperature for the Lobe Coral is 24〜27℃.
Origin
Shallow Indo-Pacific reefs (East Africa to Japan and Australia)
Lifespan
Little data available (massive colonies lay down an annual growth band)
Size
Wild colonies may exceed 4 m across (Corals of the World)
Sources: Corals of the World (Porites lutea) / Reeflex (Porites lutea) / Wikipedia (Porites lutea) / Kotobank (Britannica Japan, Heibonsha): Porites / AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Accepted name: Porites lutea Milne Edwards & Haime, 1851
Synonyms: Porites arenosa lutea Milne Edwards & Haime, 1851, Porites (Porites) lutea Milne Edwards & Haime, 1851
Authority databases: WoRMS · GBIF · GBIF · WoRMS · Corals of the World
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Domestic law: Collecting in Japanese waters is governed by each prefecture's fisheries adjustment regulations, which differ by prefecture. Okinawa bans all collection of reef-building corals, including stony corals, and also bans possessing or selling illegally collected corals (cultured corals are exempt, and the prefecture advises buyers to confirm a coral is cultured, on an artificial base or tagged). Tokyo bans collection in the waters off Ogasawara Village. In marine park zones of national and quasi-national parks, taking designated animals and plants requires a permit (Natural Parks Act, Art. 22).
All stony corals (Scleractinia) are listed in CITES Appendix II (checked on Species+). International trade requires export permits, but no registration is needed to sell or transfer specimens within Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing of Porites lutea) / Okinawa Prefecture: Collection of reef-building corals is prohibited / Tokyo Metropolitan Fisheries Adjustment Regulations (Arts. 37 and 41) / e-Gov: Natural Parks Act (Art. 22, marine park zones)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
24〜27℃
Photosynthesis (zooxanthellae) plus plankton
A zooxanthellate coral of the intertidal and shallows (Wikipedia). Give bright light, acclimating it gradually at first.
According to Wikipedia it grows faster on wave-exposed slopes. Give moderate to strong flow so detritus does not settle, and place it stably on sand or rock.
24-27°C, salinity 33-35 ppt (SG 1.023-1.025). Prolonged high temperatures reduce its growth (Wikipedia).
Besides photosynthesis it takes plankton (Reeflex). If it carries Christmas tree worms, also feed fine particulate food for them.
Not for beginners (Reeflex). This is a species that grows into large mounds, so allow room in the tank.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Lobe Coral is 24〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Lobe Coral typically reaches Wild colonies may exceed 4 m across (Corals of the World) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Lobe Coral feeds on: Photosynthesis (zooxanthellae) plus plankton. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Lobe Coral varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026