{"product_id":"yellow-branch-hard-coral-porites-sp","title":"Yellow Branch Hard Coral Porites Sp","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eYellow Branch Hard Coral (Porites sp.)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Also known as Yellow Finger Coral, Branching Porites, or Golden Porites)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Yellow Branch Coral (\u003cem\u003ePorites\u003c\/em\u003e sp.) is a resilient and long-lived \u003cstrong\u003esmall-polyp stony (SPS) coral\u003c\/strong\u003e, admired for its \u003cstrong\u003eslender, branching structure\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003evivid yellow to golden coloration\u003c\/strong\u003e. Colonies form tight, finger-like projections that can grow into intricate clusters, adding height and texture to reef aquariums. Its fine, smooth surface and small polyps give it a velvety appearance, and under actinic or blue lighting, the coral often displays a bright fluorescent sheen. Known for its durability and slow, steady growth, \u003cem\u003ePorites\u003c\/em\u003e is an excellent choice for experienced reef keepers seeking a colourful, natural-looking SPS coral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to the \u003cstrong\u003eCoral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Tonga, and widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific region\u003c\/strong\u003e. Found in \u003cstrong\u003eshallow reef flats and upper reef slopes\u003c\/strong\u003e, where it is exposed to intense sunlight and strong, turbulent water movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Yellow Branch Coral is \u003cstrong\u003ephotosynthetic\u003c\/strong\u003e, hosting \u003cstrong\u003ezooxanthellae\u003c\/strong\u003e that supply the majority of its nutritional needs through photosynthesis. While direct feeding is not essential, occasional supplementation can enhance polyp health and growth. Offer \u003cstrong\u003eweekly feedings\u003c\/strong\u003e of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarine snow or fine coral plankton blends\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhytoplankton and microplankton\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmino acid and trace element supplements\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintaining consistent nutrient balance (low but not stripped) supports vibrant coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh lighting.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePorites\u003c\/em\u003e thrives under strong, full-spectrum illumination provided by \u003cstrong\u003eLED, T5, or metal halide\u003c\/strong\u003e systems.\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\u003eGradually acclimate to high light to avoid bleaching.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlue-spectrum lighting highlights its golden and fluorescent 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 Consistent, multidirectional water movement prevents detritus buildup, enhances gas exchange, and delivers nutrients evenly. Avoid stagnant zones around the coral’s branches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePosition in the \u003cstrong\u003eupper third of the aquarium\u003c\/strong\u003e, ideally on \u003cstrong\u003erockwork\u003c\/strong\u003e with good flow exposure.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide space for upward and outward branching growth.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid placement in shaded areas where light or flow is restricted.\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\u003eAll peaceful reef-safe fish (tangs, wrasses, gobies, blennies, clownfish, etc.)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful invertebrates (shrimp, snails, hermits, etc.)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther SPS and non-aggressive LPS corals\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAggressive corals (e.g., Hydnophora, Galaxea, Euphyllia) placed nearby\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eButterflyfish and angelfish species 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 extend long sweeper tentacles and will not harm nearby corals, but it can be outcompeted by faster-growing or aggressive species if placed too close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntermediate to advanced.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePorites\u003c\/em\u003e requires \u003cstrong\u003estrong lighting, excellent flow, and very stable water parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e. While hardy once established, it can be sensitive to rapid changes in water chemistry or nutrient swings.\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 1.024–1.026 SG\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness (dKH):\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 400–450 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\u003e100 gallons (380L)\u003c\/strong\u003e for stability and growth room\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable alkalinity and calcium levels are essential for skeletal strength and colour retention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFully reef safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Yellow Branch Coral is a durable, attractive SPS species that adds height, structure, and bright contrast to reef aquariums. Its compact growth form and rich golden hues make it a favourite among aquarists seeking a natural reef aesthetic. With proper light, flow, and stable conditions, \u003cem\u003ePorites\u003c\/em\u003e can thrive for many years as a long-term feature coral.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56864408273271,"sku":"FSH-01232","price":99.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/0386\/8610\/files\/Yellow-Branch-Hard-Coral-Porites-Sp.png?v=1773331225","url":"https:\/\/realaquatics.co.uk\/products\/yellow-branch-hard-coral-porites-sp","provider":"Real Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}