Mound Coral
Porites lutea
Also known as: hump coral
A slow-growing mound coral that builds reef foundations over decades.
About
Mound coral (Porites lutea) is one of those species that quietly does a lot of heavy lifting on Indo-Pacific reefs. In the wild it forms large hemispherical or helmet-shaped colonies, some exceeding four meters across, and is a common sight across back reef margins, lagoons, and fringing reefs from shallow intertidal zones down to around 60 meters. In intertidal areas it frequently develops into what reef scientists call micro-atolls, where the top of the colony dies back at the air-water boundary while the sides keep growing outward. The surface texture is characteristically smooth compared to many other stony corals, and coloration tends toward cream or yellow in deeper or more turbid water, though colonies in bright shallow conditions can show more vivid tones. In the aquarium this coral is a reasonable choice for intermediate reef keepers who can provide consistent high light and moderate flow. Growth is genuinely slow, which is part of what makes large wild colonies so impressive. They represent decades or even centuries of accumulation. Fragging is possible but patience is essential if you want a colony of any meaningful size. It coexists peacefully with other corals and poses no real aggression concerns, making it a solid long-term addition to a well-established reef system.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Mound Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What water parameters does the Mound Coral need?
- The Mound Coral does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Mound Coral aggressive?
- The Mound Coral is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- Is the Mound Coral reef safe?
- The Mound Coral is generally considered reef safe.