Account coral

Porites nodifera

Occurring in

Red Sea

1-15m

NightActive

not endangered

These corals grow slowly over decades, forming massive colonies that can stretch across entire cubic kilometers. They're among the largest and most enduring structures on the reef. The surface of the colony is marked by distinctive, column-like formations.

Habitat

Rocky Reef

Special features

These corals grow slowly over decades, forming massive colonies that can stretch across entire cubic kilometers. They're among the largest and most enduring structures on the reef.

knotcoral_porites_nodifera2divedict_underwaterworld_diving_biological_lexicon

Appearance

The surface of the colony is marked by distinctive, column-like formations. These grow upward from a broad base attached firmly to the reef. The coralites are small and recessed, with the polyps usually retracted during the day. Their color varies depending on the environment—commonly shades of grey, beige, or pale green.

Natural enemies

Fish

Dangerous/Venomous

The Porites nodifera is neither dangerous nor venomous.

Sketch

Porites nodifera_divedict_underwaterworld_diving_dive

1. Column-shaped structures

Pro tips

Their broad coverage makes them essential reef builders—true architects of the reef ecosystem. Look for them on reef tops and slopes, where they often dominate large areas.

knotcoral_porites_nodiferadiveDict_underwaterworld_diving_biological_lexicon

knotcoral_porites_nodifera3divedict_underwaterworld_diving_biological_lexicon

Text: Carolina Leiter

Pic: Felician Hosp

Illustration: Dive Dict