Yellow Branch Hard Coral Porites Sp

£99.99

SKU: STF-MARINE-MISSING-CRITTERS-111 Category:

Description

Yellow Branch Hard Coral (Porites sp.)

(Also known as Yellow Finger Coral, Branching Porites, or Golden Porites)

Overview

The Yellow Branch Coral (Porites sp.) is a resilient and long-lived small-polyp stony (SPS) coral, admired for its slender, branching structure and vivid yellow to golden coloration. Colonies form tight, finger-like projections that can grow into intricate clusters, adding height and texture to reef aquariums. Its fine, smooth surface and small polyps give it a velvety appearance, and under actinic or blue lighting, the coral often displays a bright fluorescent sheen. Known for its durability and slow, steady growth, Porites is an excellent choice for experienced reef keepers seeking a colourful, natural-looking SPS coral.

Origin

Native to the Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Tonga, and widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Found in shallow reef flats and upper reef slopes, where it is exposed to intense sunlight and strong, turbulent water movement.

Feeding

The Yellow Branch Coral is photosynthetic, hosting zooxanthellae that supply the majority of its nutritional needs through photosynthesis. While direct feeding is not essential, occasional supplementation can enhance polyp health and growth. Offer weekly feedings of:

  • Marine snow or fine coral plankton blends

  • Phytoplankton and microplankton

  • Amino acid and trace element supplements

Maintaining consistent nutrient balance (low but not stripped) supports vibrant coloration.

Lighting

High lighting. Porites thrives under strong, full-spectrum illumination provided by LED, T5, or metal halide systems.

  • PAR range: 200–400 µmol/m²/s

  • Gradually acclimate to high light to avoid bleaching.

  • Blue-spectrum lighting highlights its golden and fluorescent tones.

Water Flow

Strong, turbulent flow. Consistent, multidirectional water movement prevents detritus buildup, enhances gas exchange, and delivers nutrients evenly. Avoid stagnant zones around the coral’s branches.

Placement

  • Position in the upper third of the aquarium, ideally on rockwork with good flow exposure.

  • Provide space for upward and outward branching growth.

  • Avoid placement in shaded areas where light or flow is restricted.

Tank Mates

Reef safe. Compatible with:

  • All peaceful reef-safe fish (tangs, wrasses, gobies, blennies, clownfish, etc.)

  • Peaceful invertebrates (shrimp, snails, hermits, etc.)

  • Other SPS and non-aggressive LPS corals

Avoid:

  • Aggressive corals (e.g., Hydnophora, Galaxea, Euphyllia) placed nearby

  • Butterflyfish and angelfish species that may nip polyps

Aggression

Peaceful. Porites does not extend long sweeper tentacles and will not harm nearby corals, but it can be outcompeted by faster-growing or aggressive species if placed too close.

Experience Level

Intermediate to advanced. Porites requires strong lighting, excellent flow, and very stable water parameters. While hardy once established, it can be sensitive to rapid changes in water chemistry or nutrient swings.

Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG

  • Hardness (dKH): 8–12

  • Calcium: 400–450 ppm

  • Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

  • Nitrate: <5 ppm

  • Phosphate: <0.03 ppm

  • Tank Size: Minimum 100 gallons (380L) for stability and growth room

Stable alkalinity and calcium levels are essential for skeletal strength and colour retention.

Reef Compatibility

Fully reef safe. The Yellow Branch Coral is a durable, attractive SPS species that adds height, structure, and bright contrast to reef aquariums. Its compact growth form and rich golden hues make it a favourite among aquarists seeking a natural reef aesthetic. With proper light, flow, and stable conditions, Porites can thrive for many years as a long-term feature coral.

STANDARD DELIVERY UK MAINLAND ONLY – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Overnight courier service by DX guaranteed next day delivery pre 1pm. We will contact you via email within 24 hours of purchase with your confirmed delivery date.: £20.00

 

SATURDAY STANDARD DELIVERY UK MAINLAND ONLY –  Overnight courier service by DX guaranteed next day delivery pre 1pm. We will contact you via email within 24 hours of purchase with your confirmed delivery date.: £30.00

 

INSURED DELIVERY UK MAINLAND ONLY –Wednesday,Thursday, Friday. Overnight courier service by DX guaranteed next day delivery pre 1pm. Insurance covers Damage, Delay, Loss or temperature issues. Instant replacement shipped the next day upon receipt of supporting photographs.: £30.00

 

SATURDAY INSURED DELIVERY UK MAINLAND ONLY –Overnight courier service by DX guaranteed next day delivery pre 1pm. Insurance covers Damage, Delay, Loss or temperature issues. Instant replacement shipped the next day upon receipt of supporting photographs.: £40.00

 

ADDITIONS TO AN EXISTING ORDER – If you would like to add more items to an existing order for delivery, please select this option. All additions must be made 24 hours before your existing delivery date.: Free

 

AQUARIUM DELIVERY – All Sims Aquariums and Other Branded Aquariums with Cabinets are Free for a curb-side delivery. We will contact you within 24 hours of purchase to arrange a convenient delivery date.: Free

 

PRE FORMED PONDS – All Pre Formed Ponds are Free for a curb-side delivery. We will contact you within 24 hours of purchase to arrange a convenient delivery date.: Free

 

GIFT CARDS – These will be delivered electronically within 24 hours of receipt of payment, please remember that if you have any other items that require shipping, you must select either Standard or Insured delivery.

 

 

 

D.O.A DELIVERY POLICY UPDATED 01/04/2026

Should You Have Any Questions Regarding Our Policies Or Procedures Please Don’t Hesitate to Contact Us. All Emails Will Be Responded To Within 24 Hours.

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For Our Rarer Species, We Are Effectively Importing The Livestock On Your Behalf As A Pre Order. We Currently Deliver 99% Of Trade Orders On The Selected Delivery Date and 95% Of Retail 

 

Orders On The Selected Delivery Date.

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Through 2019 To 2025 Our Couriers Have Delivered Over 1 Millions Boxes Of Live Fish To Our Retail and Trade Customers At A Right First Time Rate Of Over 99.9%.


STANDARD DELIVERY WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY 

Standard Delivery Is £20 For All Livestock Orders & There Is No Minimum Order Value. Selecting Your Fish For Standard Delivery Is A Choice Against Selecting The Insured Delivery Service And Is A Formal Agreement To Accepting The The Terms And Conditions Stated By This Policy. 

We deliver our standard service to retail customers through our livestock licensed courier DX on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday every week.

Our Service Level Agreement With The Courier Is That The Fish Will Be Collected From Us In The Evening Prior To Your Delivery Date And Delivered The Next Day Before 1pm In The Condition And Temperature That They Were Collected In. 

All Your Tracking Information Will Be Sent To You Directly By The Courier Dx The Evening Before Your Delivery Date When Your Box Is Collected From The Supplier. You Will Also Receive A Text Message From The Courier Around 9am On Your Delivery Day With Your Time Slot. You Must Ensure Someone Is At The Delivery Address On Your Delivery Date To Receive The Livestock.

INSURED STANDARD DELIVERY WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY

Insured Delivery Is £30 For All Livestock Orders & There Is No Minimum Order Value. We Are Also Able To Offer A Fully Insured Standard Delivery Service Where Should You Experience Any Problems, Including Issues Relating To Temperature, Damage, Loss Or Delay By The Courier, Sims Tropical Fish Will Step In And Resend An Instant Replacement Fish For Delivery The Following Day, Rather Than With Your Next Order, Upon Receipt Of Supporting Photographs.

Instant Replacement Livestock Can Be Delivered On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Every Week.

STANDARD DELIVERY SATURDAY

Standard Delivery On a Saturday Is £30 For All Livestock Orders & There Is No Minimum Order Value. Please Ensure That When You Are Selecting Your Delivery Date As A Saturday, That You Are Selecting A Saturday Delivery Cost At The Checkout. Selecting Your Fish For Standard Delivery Is A Choice Against Selecting The Insured Delivery Service And Is A Formal Agreement To Accepting The The Terms And Conditions Stated By This Policy. 

We Deliver Our Standard Service To Retail Customers Through Our Livestock Licensed Courier DX On A Wednesday, Thursday, Friday And Saturday Every Week.

Our Service Level Agreement With The Courier Is That The Fish Will Be Collected From Us In The Evening Prior To Your Delivery Date And Delivered The Next Day Before 1pm In The Condition And Temperature That They Were Collected In. 

All Your Tracking Information Will Be Sent To You Directly By The Courier Dx The Evening Before Your Delivery Date When Your Box Is Collected From The Supplier. You Will Also Receive A Text Message From The Courier Around 9am On Your Delivery Day With Your Time Slot. You Must Ensure Someone Is At The Delivery Address On Your Delivery Date To Receive The Livestock.

INSURED STANDARD DELIVERY SATURDAY

Insured Delivery On A Saturday Is £40 For All Livestock Orders & There Is No Minimum Order Value. We Are Also Able To Offer A Fully Insured Standard Delivery Service Where Should You Experience Any Problems, Including Issues Relating To Temperature, Damage, Loss Or Delay By The Courier, Sims Tropical Fish Will Step In And Resend An Instant Replacement Fish For Delivery The Following Delivery Day, Rather Than With Your Next Order, Upon Receipt Of Supporting Photographs.

Instant Replacement Livestock Can Be Delivered On Wednesday, Thursday, Friday And Saturday Every Week.