Hump Coral

About

Hump Coral (Porites deformis) is one of those species that rewards a closer look. Its colonies start as thin, flat basal sheets that throw up nodular branches over time, eventually fusing together into irregular, lumpy clumps that give the coral its common name. The corallites sit right at the surface, and the branch surfaces themselves are notably smooth to the eye. Like many Porites, it will sometimes extend its tentacles during daylight hours, which adds a bit of life and texture to its otherwise pale brown appearance. In the wild it comes from shallow, sheltered reef zones across a broad stretch of the Central Pacific and Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and as far out as the Pitcairn Islands. That preference for calmer, protected water is worth keeping in mind when planning flow in the tank. Moderate, steady movement suits it better than strong, direct current. It needs solid lighting to thrive, which puts it in intermediate territory rather than being a beginner coral. There is nothing flashy about its coloration, but its sculptural, encrusting growth form can build real visual interest in a reef display over time, especially as colonies develop their characteristic fused, humped profile.