Porites cylindrica

Dana, 1846

Yellow Cylindrical Coral, Yellow Finger Coral, Jeweled Finger Coral, Cylindrical Porous Coral

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Widespread.

Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow waters on upper reef slopes, lagoons, and back reef margins receiving strong water movement and intense light and generally seen at depths between 3 to 65 feet (1 - 20 m).

General Husbandry: Placement of this coral in the aquarium should be similar to the conditions where it is found in the wild. In fact, it is a 'must' if this species is to thrive! If not located in areas where there is direct, somewhat strong water movement and intense light, this coral will coat with detritus, polyps will not extend, and will slowly dissipate. In fact, its bright yellow color is an indicator that it requires a strongly lit location.

Feeding the aquarium every other day with a phytoplankton additive appears to speed growth and insures its stability. However, be sure its tiny polyps are visible before feeding, such as shown in the photo.

This is a hardy, fairly disease resistant coral, and somewhat common in the trade, yet only maintainable under the above-mentioned conditions. Calcium and alkalinity parameters are also very important, therefore test often and meet the following water requirements.

There is also a small, yellowish-white Nudibranch, Phestilla lugubris that feeds upon porites coral. Should you discover discolored patches of polyps, or its tiny polyp tentacles not extended for any unusual periods of time, look closely for this tiny nudibranch and remove.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Hexacorallia

Order: Scleractinia

Family: Poritidae

Genus: Porites

FYI: In the wild, small branching colonies, sometimes with an encrusting base and usually cream, yellow blue or green.

As with all species in this genus, they occasionally shed a thin waxy surface layer of mucus to rid themselves of various waste products and algae. This is a normal happening, especially if the specimen is placed where water movement is inadequate.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Diet: Photosynthetic/Plankton feeder

Temperament: Peaceful

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe: With caution

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately difficult

Calcium (Ca): 380 - 430 mg/l

Alkalinity: 2.5 - 3.0 meq/l

Phosphate (PO4): <0.05 mg/l

Magnesium (Mg): approx. 1350 mg/l (relate to specific gravity)

Strontium (Sr) 8 - 10 mg/l

Temperature Range: 73 - 83°F (23 - 28°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Lighting: PAR 400 - 500+

Water Movement: WM 2 - 3

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4

Iodine/Trace Elements Monitor/as necessary to maintain quality seawater.