Dome Coral

Porites nodifera

Dome Coral, known scientifically as Porites nodifera, is a species of stony coral belonging to the family Poritidae. It is characterized by its hard substrate and column-like structures that grow towards the water's surface. These columns often have a flat, circular shape and a smooth surface, with colors ranging from dark to light brown. This species is similar in appearance to Porites harrisoni, but Dome Coral forms thicker columns. Dome Coral is native to the northwestern Indian Ocean, including regions such as the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Persian Gulf. It thrives in shallow waters, typically at depths of less than 5 meters, although it can be found at depths up to 15 meters. This coral species is highly tolerant of high salinity levels, making it common in areas where salinity is elevated. In the Persian Gulf, it is one of the dominant coral species, partly due to its resilience to coral bleaching, which has affected other coral species like Acropora more severely. Dome Coral can be affected by Arabian Yellow Band Disease (AYBD), which manifests as a yellow band that encroaches on healthy tissue. However, this species often overcomes the disease as it can become inactive, allowing the coral to regenerate. The IUCN Red List classifies Dome Coral as a species of Least Concern, although threats such as climate change and ocean acidification pose risks to its habitat.