Porites rus seems similar to figures we've seen of P. lichen, and I'm not sure where to draw the line between them. We are distinguishing Porites rus from its large, more rounded, dome-like colonies with their vertical branches crowded together. However, it may require close examination of the corallites to properly differentiate between the two species. This variety tends to grow tall vertical branches somewhat irregular in length. It is a common species on lagoon and seaward reefs. Color is variable.
Something occasionally digs down into the colony, breaking out branches to most likely get at the small fish or invertebrates sheltering between the branches.
We're not sure about this very large colony, which may be nearly 10m tall. The upper branches resemble those we are calling Porites lichen.
Surrounded by Porites cylindrica.
Created 20 April 2020