Pore Coral
Montipora mollis
A textured, colony-forming coral that thrives in high-energy reef conditions.
About
Pore coral (Montipora mollis) is one of those Montipora species that rewards a closer look. Colonies grow in a mix of irregular clumping, columnar, and plating forms, giving it a variable silhouette that can change quite a bit depending on flow and light conditions in your tank. The corallites sit mostly flush with the surface rather than protruding, framed by fine but visible walls, and the coenosteum has a noticeably coarse texture that sets it apart from smoother Montipora species. Low tubercle-like bumps may or may not be present depending on the individual. Coloration runs from plain brown through blue and purple tones, and blues in particular can photograph as pink. Worth keeping in mind when shopping frags online. Plate margins sometimes show a paler edge, adding a bit of subtle contrast. In the wild this species occupies a broader range of habitats than many reef corals, including subtidal mud flats and other inshore environments across the Indo-Pacific, from the surface down to around 40 meters. In the aquarium it demands very high light and strong flow to stay healthy, and like most Montipora it is generally considered best suited to experienced reefers who can maintain stable, demanding water conditions consistently.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Pore Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What water parameters does the Pore Coral need?
- The Pore Coral does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Pore Coral reef safe?
- The Pore Coral is generally considered reef safe.