Lobe coral (Porites lobata)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Porites lobata
- Common name
- Lobe coral
- Category
- Corals
- Family
- Poritidae
- Genus
- Porites
- Size
- 100–800 cm
- Depth
- 1–30 m
- IUCN status
- Near threatened (NT)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef
- Behaviours
- sessile, colonial
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Eastern Pacific
Description
Porites lobata forms massive colonies reaching up to 8 m height and several centuries old. Hard coral in rounded dome or pyramid shape, bumpy surface (lobata). Yellow-brown-greenish color. Very small corallites giving smooth appearance. Very slow growth (5-20 mm per year) but exceptional longevity (over 1000 years for the largest). Lives from 1 to 30 m on Indo-Pacific coral reefs. Listed NT. Key habitat sheltering worms (Spirobranchus), nudibranchs, fish. Climate archive (sclerochronology). Essential heritage.
Photo of Lobe coral
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Lobe coral?
- Lobe coral (Porites lobata) reaches 100–800 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Lobe coral?
- Lobe coral is found between 1–30 m deep.
- Is the Lobe coral dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Lobe coral?
- IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).
- Where can you find the Lobe coral?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the genus Porites
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 207225)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5184766)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia