Porites lutea , belonging to the order Scleractinia (Hard Corals) and the family Poritidae, is a widely distributed coral species that forms the building block of coral reefs. Its distribution extends from Australia to Southeast Asia, Japan, the South China Sea, and even parts of the central and eastern Pacific (including the west coast of Mexico). It is found mostly in waters between 0 and 40 meters, but its total depth ranges up to 70 meters. It received its scientific name from Milne Edwards & Haime in 1851.

Habitat and Ecology

This coral species occurs in stagnant lagoons, back reefs, and fringing reefs. Colonies of P. lutea can reach large sizes, with a height of seven meters and a circumference of 41 meters recorded in American Samoa. The species thrives in both nutrient-poor (oligotrophic) and turbid coastal environments exposed to sediment and nutrients from terrestrial currents. The average generation length is estimated to be ten years.

^{About Porites Lutea ( Red Sea Bit )}

Threats and Vulnerability

Porites lutea 's population trend is declining globally. The biggest threat is rising sea temperatures caused by global climate change and the resulting coral bleaching events. While generally considered more resistant to bleaching than other species, high mortality rates and reduced skeletal growth have been reported during bleaching. Ocean acidification is also considered a threat. Local threats include agricultural and industrial pollution, land-based sedimentation, diseases, and damage from predators such as the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish ( Acanthaster planci ). Several diseases, including white syndrome and ulcerative white spot, have been recorded in this species.

Protection Status

According to the IUCN Red List assessment published in 2024, the species is classified as Least Concern (LC) globally. This classification reflects the species' general decline in coral reefs, despite its continued prevalence and abundance. Like all hard corals , Porites lutea is listed on CITES Appendix II to regulate its international trade. Conservation actions include the designation of new marine protected areas and management of existing ones, monitoring of population and ecological status, and disease management strategies.