Evidence in thermal performance indicate that two populations with different thermal histories respond differently to acute warming. Specifically, corals in Bermuda were less heat tolerant than those in Panama. Both thermal optimum (Topt) and critical maximum temperature (CTmax) were greater for photosynthesis and Topt was also greater for respiration (note the statistical significance of this difference was marginal). These differences in TPC metrics between populations, despite minimal recovery and acclimation time, highlight that the coral Orbicella franski can adapt to local thermal regimes.