Purple Branch Hard Coral Porites Sp

Description

Purple Branch Hard Coral (Porites sp.)

(Also known as Branching Porites, Finger Coral, or Small Polyp Stony Coral)

Overview

The Purple Branch Hard Coral (Porites sp.) is a resilient and long-lived small-polyp stony (SPS) coral, prized for its slender, finger-like branches and deep purple to lavender hues. It forms compact colonies with a smooth or slightly porous texture, creating a striking visual contrast against green and orange corals in reef aquariums. Known for its durability and ability to adapt to a range of lighting and flow conditions, Porites is a staple in SPS-dominated systems. While slower-growing than some SPS species, it rewards patience with rich colouration and intricate structure, making it an excellent choice for aquarists looking to introduce branching complexity to their reefscape.

Origin

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Fiji, Tonga, Indonesia, and the Red Sea. Commonly found in lagoon slopes, reef flats, and upper reef crests, where it thrives under bright sunlight and strong, turbulent flow.

Feeding

Porites corals are primarily photosynthetic, relying on zooxanthellae for energy. While capable of absorbing dissolved nutrients, they also benefit from occasional feeding of fine particulate foods. Feed 1–2 times per week with:

• Marine snow or phytoplankton

• Micronised coral foods or powdered SPS blends

• Rotifers or bacterioplankton-based supplements

Feed in moderate flow to ensure fine foods can settle and circulate around the colony.

Lighting

High lighting. Porites thrives under intense, full-spectrum illumination from LED, T5, or metal halide systems.

• PAR range: 200‚Äì400 ¬µmol/m¬≤/s

• Acclimate gradually to prevent bleaching.

• Blue and violet spectrums enhance its natural purple pigmentation and maintain vivid tones.

Water Flow

Strong, turbulent flow. Provide alternating or randomised currents to promote gas exchange and prevent detritus from collecting between branches. This mimics natural reef conditions and supports healthy tissue and polyp extension.

Placement

• Position on the upper to mid rockwork, where it receives strong light and water movement.

• Allow 5‚Äì10 cm (2‚Äì4 inches) of clearance from other corals, as Porites is peaceful but can be overgrown or irritated by more aggressive neighbours.

• Avoid shaded areas ‚Äî consistent lighting is essential for maintaining colour and growth.

Tank Mates

Reef safe. Compatible with:

• Peaceful reef fish (wrasses, tangs, gobies, anthias, clownfish, etc.)

• Invertebrates such as shrimp, snails, and hermit crabs

• Other SPS corals with similar light and flow requirements

Avoid:

• Aggressive LPS corals (e.g., Euphyllia, Galaxea, Hydnophora) nearby

• Large angelfish or butterflyfish that may nip polyps

Aggression

Peaceful. Porites does not possess long sweeper tentacles and is easily outcompeted by aggressive species. Maintain clear spacing to prevent encroachment or damage from neighbours.

Experience Level

Intermediate to advanced. The Purple Branch Coral is hardy but thrives best in mature reef systems with stable, low-nutrient conditions and consistent flow. It’s an excellent choice for aquarists experienced in maintaining SPS-dominant environments.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24‚Äì27¬∞C (75‚Äì81¬∞F)

• pH: 8.1‚Äì8.4

• Salinity: 1.025‚Äì1.026 SG

• Alkalinity (dKH): 8‚Äì10

• Calcium: 420‚Äì450 ppm

• Magnesium: 1250‚Äì1350 ppm

• Nitrate: <5 ppm

• Phosphate: <0.03 ppm

• Tank Size: Minimum 150 litres (40 gallons); larger systems preferred for stability and flow management

Stable alkalinity and low nutrients are critical for maintaining strong skeletal growth and vibrant purple coloration.

Reef Compatibility

Fully reef safe. The Purple Branch Hard Coral is a classic SPS species that brings elegance, structure, and rich colour to high-energy reef systems. When provided with stable parameters, intense lighting, and strong flow, it develops into a stunning, long-lasting centrepiece coral.