Pore Coral

About

Pore coral (Montipora foveolata) is one of the more structurally distinctive members of the Montipora genus, recognizable by its funnel-shaped corallites that sit deeply immersed in the coenosteum, with each corallite opening sitting at the base of its own small depression rather than projecting outward. Growth form ranges from encrusting sheets to submassive mounds, and the fine surface texture of the coenosteum gives colonies a smooth, almost velvety appearance between corallites. Coloration runs the gamut from pale brown and cream to soft blue tones that can photograph pink depending on the lighting angle, though occasionally colonies show brighter hues. One of the more appealing features is that tentacles, sometimes vivid blue or green, may be partially extended even during daylight hours, giving the colony a lively, animated quality that distinguishes it from the typical retracted look of many SPS corals. In the wild, this species turns up across most reef environments throughout the broad Indo-Pacific range, from very shallow water down to moderate depths. In the aquarium it demands the high light levels and strong, consistent flow you would expect from a shallow-reef SPS coral, and it is best suited to experienced reefers who already have stable reef chemistry dialed in. Water quality consistency is key. Swings in alkalinity or nutrients will show on this coral quickly.