Pore Coral

About

Pore coral (Montipora lobulata) is a submassive Indo-Pacific species with a genuinely interesting growth form. Rather than growing in flat sheets or tidy branching structures, colonies develop into irregular mounds covered with bumpy protrusions called tuberculae that vary continuously in size and blend seamlessly into one another. Corallites are scattered unevenly across the surface and tend to appear less frequently on the raised bumps themselves, giving the colony a textured, almost lumpy appearance. Coloration runs to mottled brown and white, which won't win any flashiness contests but suits the species' rugged, sculptural quality. In the wild this coral occupies shallow reef environments across a broad tropical range spanning the Indo-Pacific, and it can be found anywhere from near the surface down to around 50 meters. In the aquarium it demands conditions that reflect its high-light, high-energy natural habitat. Serious flow and intense lighting are non-negotiable, and this isn't a coral that forgives neglect in water quality. It falls into the advanced category, so it's better suited to experienced reefers who already have stable, well-dialed systems. If you can meet its demands, Montipora lobulata makes a genuinely characterful addition to a reef tank.