AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NTInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Near Threatened — close to qualifying as Vulnerable. Requires ongoing monitoring.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Porites lobata
Lobe coral
(Dana, 1846)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The lobe coral (Porites lobata) is a massive hard coral species that forms large dome or lobe-shaped colonies. It is a major reef-builder in the Pacific Ocean, known for its slow growth and incredible longevity, capable of living for hundreds of years.
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Cnidaria
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Anthozoa
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Scleractinia
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Poritidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Porites
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Dana, 1846)
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits a wide range of shallow reef environments and reef slopes, withstanding high variations in temperature and strong wave action.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Sessile reef-building species. Its massive colonies modify the physical ecosystem, providing a vital three-dimensional substrate for countless species of fish and invertebrates.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Forms massive colonies made up of millions of genetically identical clonal polyps that share resources through a living connective tissue.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Mixotroph / Planktivore. It derives its energy primarily from photosynthesis, but actively captures microscopic zooplankton at night by extending its small tentacles.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Acts as a primary producer thanks to its symbionts and as a secondary consumer. It is directly preyed upon by parrotfish, butterflyfish, and the destructive crown-of-thorns starfish.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Gonochoric species (separate sexes in different colonies) that reproduces via mass broadcast spawning. They release clouds of gametes into the water synchronously, usually dictated by lunar phases.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
10.0 - 500.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
1.00 kg - 1000.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.100000 - 10000000
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
5 - 10 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
1 - 4
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males50 - 500 Years
Females50 - 500 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Photosynthetic symbiosis: Relies on symbiotic zooxanthellae in its tissues, which provide up to 90% of its energy requirements through photosynthesis.
Massive skeleton: Its dense calcium carbonate structure allows it to withstand strong surf and tropical storms better than branching corals.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Coral bleaching: Extremely vulnerable to ocean warming events, which cause the expulsion of their zooxanthellae and subsequent starvation.
Ocean acidification: The decrease in marine pH hinders its ability to secrete its calcium carbonate skeleton and slows its growth.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Micro-atoll formation: In very shallow waters, the top of the colony may die from air exposure during low tide, while the sides continue to grow, forming rings.