Porites pukoensis
Vaughan, 1907
Description: Colonies are massive with a tendency to form columns. Tentacles are usually extended during the day.
Color: Brown or tan.
Habitat: Shallow protected reef environments, especially lagoons.
Abundance: Usually uncommon.
Similar Species: Porites evermanni, which lacks denticles at the bases of septa. See also P. nodifera.
Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic reference: Vaughan’s original description/specimens. Identification guide: Maragos (1977).
Colonies have a submassive to columnar growth-form. Hawaii Photograph: Don Potts
Corallite detail. Icon diagrams of fully developed corallite characters.
Colony surface with polyps partly extended during the day. Hawaii Photograph: Don Potts