{"product_id":"purple-branch-hard-coral-porites-sp","title":"Purple Branch Hard Coral Porites Sp","description":"\u003cstrong\u003ePurple Branch Hard Coral (Porites sp.)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Also known as Branching Porites, Finger Coral, or Small Polyp Stony Coral)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Purple Branch Hard Coral (\u003cem\u003ePorites\u003c\/em\u003e sp.) is a resilient and long-lived \u003cstrong\u003esmall-polyp stony (SPS) coral\u003c\/strong\u003e, prized for its \u003cstrong\u003eslender, finger-like branches\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003edeep purple to lavender hues\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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, \u003cem\u003ePorites\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to the \u003cstrong\u003eIndo-Pacific region\u003c\/strong\u003e, including the \u003cstrong\u003eGreat Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Fiji, Tonga, Indonesia, and the Red Sea\u003c\/strong\u003e. Commonly found in \u003cstrong\u003elagoon slopes, reef flats, and upper reef crests\u003c\/strong\u003e, where it thrives under bright sunlight and strong, turbulent flow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePorites\u003c\/em\u003e corals are primarily \u003cstrong\u003ephotosynthetic\u003c\/strong\u003e, relying on \u003cstrong\u003ezooxanthellae\u003c\/strong\u003e for energy. While capable of absorbing dissolved nutrients, they also benefit from occasional feeding of fine particulate foods. Feed \u003cstrong\u003e1–2 times per week\u003c\/strong\u003e with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarine snow or phytoplankton\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMicronised coral foods or powdered SPS blends\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRotifers or bacterioplankton-based supplements\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed in moderate flow to ensure fine foods can settle and circulate around the colony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh lighting.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePorites\u003c\/em\u003e thrives under intense, full-spectrum illumination from \u003cstrong\u003eLED, T5, or metal halide systems\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePAR range: \u003cstrong\u003e200–400 ¬µmol\/m¬≤\/s\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAcclimate gradually to prevent bleaching.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlue and violet spectrums enhance its natural purple pigmentation and maintain vivid tones.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrong, turbulent flow.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePosition on the \u003cstrong\u003eupper to mid rockwork\u003c\/strong\u003e, where it receives strong light and water movement.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllow \u003cstrong\u003e5–10 cm (2–4 inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e of clearance from other corals, as \u003cem\u003ePorites\u003c\/em\u003e is peaceful but can be overgrown or irritated by more aggressive neighbours.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid shaded areas — consistent lighting is essential for maintaining colour and growth.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful reef fish (wrasses, tangs, gobies, anthias, clownfish, etc.)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInvertebrates such as shrimp, snails, and hermit crabs\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther SPS corals with similar light and flow requirements\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAggressive LPS corals (e.g., Euphyllia, Galaxea, Hydnophora) nearby\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge angelfish or butterflyfish that may nip polyps\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAggression\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeaceful.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePorites\u003c\/em\u003e does not possess long sweeper tentacles and is easily outcompeted by aggressive species. Maintain clear spacing to prevent encroachment or damage from neighbours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntermediate to advanced.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–27°C (75–81°F)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.025–1.026 SG\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity (dKH):\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–10\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 420–450 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMagnesium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1250–1350 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt;5 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhosphate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt;0.03 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum \u003cstrong\u003e150 litres (40 gallons)\u003c\/strong\u003e; larger systems preferred for stability and flow management\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable alkalinity and low nutrients are critical for maintaining strong skeletal growth and vibrant purple coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFully reef safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56864405356919,"sku":"FSH-01219","price":99.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/0386\/8610\/files\/Purple-Branch-Hard-Coral-Porites-Sp.png?v=1773331209","url":"https:\/\/realaquatics.co.uk\/products\/purple-branch-hard-coral-porites-sp","provider":"Real Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}