Common name: mustard hill coral

General information

Porites astreoides, commonly known as Mustard Hill Coral or Yellow Porites Coral, is a species of stony coral that is popular among reef aquarium enthusiasts. This coral is known for its hardiness and can be a good choice for both novice and experienced aquarists. It exhibits a massive or encrusting growth form and comes in a variety of colors, typically yellow, brown, or green hues.

Care

Mustard Hill Coral is relatively easy to maintain in a reef aquarium. It requires moderate to high lighting and moderate water flow to thrive. It is important to maintain stable water parameters, particularly calcium and alkalinity levels, to support its skeletal growth. This coral can also benefit from occasional feeding of microplankton or other coral foods designed for small-polyped stony corals.

Symbiosis

Porites astreoides is known to engage in a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, photosynthetic algae that live within its tissues. This relationship is mutualistic, as the zooxanthellae provide the coral with nutrients produced through photosynthesis, while the coral provides the algae with a protected environment and access to sunlight.

Habitat

Mustard Hill Coral is found in the shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the western Atlantic Ocean. It typically inhabits reef slopes and back reef environments, where it can grow on both hard substrates and soft sediments.