Porites lobata
Dana, 1846
Description: Colonies are usually hemispherical or helmet-shaped and may be over 4 metres across. They commonly form ‘micro-atolls’ in intertidal habitats. The surface is usually smooth.
Color: Usually cream or pale brown but may be bright blue, purple or green in shallow water.
Habitat: Frequently a dominant species of back reef margins, lagoons and some fringing reefs.
Abundance: Probably the most common Porites.
Similar Species: Porites solida. See also P. australiensis, which is distinguished by having taller pali, especially on the lateral pairs of septa.
Taxonomic note: This species is divisible into several smaller semi-distinct taxonomic units. Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic references: Wells (1954), Veron and Pichon (1982). Identification guides: Veron (1986), Sheppard and Sheppard (1991), Nishihira and Veron (1995).
This species commonly forms helmet-shaped colonies with lobed upper surfaces. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Photograph: Peter Isdale
An unusual growth-form in a shallow turbulent habitat. Clipperton Atoll, far eastern Pacific Photograph: Charlie Veron
An intertidal ‘micro-atoll’. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Photograph: Ed Lovell
Surface detail. Corallites are open and have relatively few skeletal elements. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Photograph: Ed Lovell
A massive colony. Sinai Peninsula, Egypt Photograph: Mary Stafford-Smith
Corallite detail. Icon diagrams of fully developed corallite characters.