Hump Coral
Porites vaughani
A tough, adaptable reef builder that shifts form to match its environment.
About
Hump Coral (Porites vaughani) is one of those workhorses of the Indo-West Pacific reef that quietly does a lot of heavy lifting in terms of reef structure. Found across a wide range of reef environments from shallow surge zones down to around 65 meters, this species adapts its growth form to suit local conditions. Colonies may grow as encrusting sheets, flat plates, or upright columns depending on where they settle. Corallites are evenly spaced across the colony surface and separated by low ridges, giving it that characteristic Porites texture. Colonies from more exposed, high-energy slopes tend to develop smaller corallites than those growing in calmer water. Coloration is variable: pale cream, pink, and brown are the most common, but the occasional colony turns up in bright green or purple, which always gets attention. In the aquarium, Porites vaughani is considered an intermediate-level coral. It's genuinely adaptable but needs consistent high light and moderate flow to stay healthy over the long term. It's not one of the fastest growers in the hobby, but its hardiness and variable growth forms make it an interesting addition to a mature mixed reef setup with stable water quality.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Hump Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What water parameters does the Hump Coral need?
- The Hump Coral does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Hump Coral reef safe?
- The Hump Coral is generally considered reef safe.