[2] It is found growing on coral reefs and in shallow lagoons in tropical parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

[2] Porites compressa occurs in the Indo-Pacific region, the Red Sea and East African coast.

[2] Around Hawaii it is common and is found on reefs and in lagoons to a depth of 30 metres (98 ft) where the water is relatively undisturbed.

[1] Porites compressa is affected by rising sea temperatures but it is more resistant to bleaching than many other corals.

These include El Nino events, ocean acidification, trawling and other fishery activities, competition from invasive species and human activities which includes pollution and the collection of corals for the aquarium trade.