Grinch Porites

Grinch Porites: The Neon Green and Red Christmas Coral

The Grinch Porites (Porites species) is a highly desirable, colorful, and resilient collector strain of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral. Porites species, often called "Finger Corals" or "Jewel Corals," are highly regarded for their micro-polyp structure and exceptional hardiness in captive environments.

This specific strain is named "Grinch" due to its classic high-contrast holiday coloration. It typically features a base tissue of bright, vibrant neon green or lime-green. This base is speckled with numerous, contrasting, minute polyps in hot pink, magenta, or bright red. The overall effect is a highly fluorescent green canvas dotted with intensely colored polyps, making it a spectacular showpiece.

The Grinch Porites commonly grows in an encrusting or columnar/finger-like morphology. It is considered an Easy to Moderate care SPS coral and is one of the most durable SPS options, thriving even in systems that are still maturing. It requires consistent water chemistry, moderate to high light, and ample water flow to maximize its color and steady, durable growth.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic (deriving most energy from symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae) but is also an opportunistic Carnivore.
• Feeding: Supplemental feeding is recommended and highly beneficial, especially for promoting faster tissue growth. Its micro-polyps readily capture very fine particulate foods. Target feed 2-3 times per week with fine foods, such as cyclops, rotifers, or commercial coral powders and amino acid solutions.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe and generally Passive. Porites lacks long sweeper tentacles and is non-aggressive. While it is tough, its slow initial growth means it should be placed away from aggressive corals (like LPS) that could sting or grow over it.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, and Passive toward other corals. It should be positioned on mid-to-high rockwork where it receives Moderate to High PAR lighting (200-400 PAR) and moderate to strong, turbulent water flow to ensure polyp extension and maintain clean surfaces.
• Water Requirements: Requires stable parameters. The tank should be mature with very low nutrient levels (Nitrate < 5 ppm, Phosphate < 0.1 ppm). Critical parameters: Alkalinity (dKH 8.0-9.5), Calcium (400-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1300-1450 ppm).

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Porites sp. (Specific Strain)
• Primary Common Name: Grinch Porites
• Other Common Names: Green Base Red Polyp Porites, Christmas Porites
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can form massive colonies or large branching structures (12+ inches)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Passive, very durable coral)
• Diet: Photosynthetic and Carnivore (Benefits from fine particulate feeding)
• Minimum Tank Size: 40 Gallons (Established SPS or Mixed Reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Excellent, hardy SPS option)
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate