Plesiastrea versipora is an encrusting coral found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

[4] Existing massive colonies of P. versipora can be long lived, and so analysis of their internal composition allows deducing the climatic records of past decades and centuries, at localities where the corals grow.

The substances that communicate to the symbiont are host-generated soluble compounds which can either signal the release of photosynthetic products (mainly glycerol) by the zooxanthellae,[5] or can inhibit photosynthesis.

The host P. versipora reproduces sexually, with larvae obtaining symbiotic algae from the environment,[9] though anecdotal evidence shows some symbionts may also be a transmitted via the eggs,[10] indicating transmission may be mixed in this host species.

The species adopts a range of colours, being host pigments that protect the coral from ultraviolet radiation.