About Goniopora
Coral Goniopora is a diverse genus of colonial stony corals found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including the Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean, and various tropical and subtropical areas of the Pacific Ocean. These corals extend as far north as Hong Kong and southern Japan, where they represent the dominant colonial non-reef-building coral species.
These remarkable corals are instantly recognizable by their numerous daisy-like polyps that extend outward from a hard calcium carbonate base, each polyp tipped with exactly 24 stinging tentacles surrounding a central mouth. This unique polyp structure creates the characteristic flowerpot appearance that gives them their common name, with tentacles that can extend several centimeters outward, creating graceful, hypnotic swaying movements that add unparalleled aesthetic appeal to reef aquariums.
Goniopora species exhibit extraordinary diversity in coloration, including vibrant greens ranging from mint to neon, deep reds, bright reds, purples, pinks, creams, tans, grays, and even spectacular rainbow varieties with multicolored polyps. Some specimens display metallic sheens or fluorescent properties that glow brilliantly under actinic lighting, creating safety cone-like appearances that are simply breathtaking.
The genus includes various growth forms and polyp characteristics. Some species feature short, compact polyps while others display extremely long tentacles. Certain varieties like Goniopora stokesi (the classic ball-shaped flowerpot coral) remain among the most challenging to maintain, while other species such as Goniopora stutchburyi with shorter polyps and smaller overall size have proven more adaptable to aquarium conditions.
Caring for Goniopora Coral
To ensure the best results for your Goniopora coral, please follow our suggestions on coral care below. It's important to test your tank's water often to ensure the parameters are within the correct range.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
- Salinity: 1.023–1.025
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
- Calcium: 400–450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
- Iron: Adequate levels required for skeletal development
- Nitrate: <5 ppm
- Phosphate: <0.03 ppm
Lighting
Moderate lighting (75–150 PAR) is recommended, and you should place the coral in the middle areas of the tank.
Goniopora corals can adapt to a surprisingly wide range of lighting conditions, from very dim 50 PAR tanks to bright aquariums receiving over 200 PAR. However, moderate lighting between 75–125 PAR typically produces the best results.
Unlike many corals that dramatically change color under different lighting spectrums, Goniopora maintain consistent coloration regardless of lighting type. Too little light will cause browning as the coral increases zooxanthellae populations, while excessive lighting can lead to bleaching and tissue damage.
Water Flow
Low to moderate indirect flow with variable patterns. Strong, direct flow can damage or kill tissue at contact points, causing chain reactions throughout the colony.
The ideal flow should create gentle, hypnotic swaying motion that keeps the coral clean and delivers food particles while allowing polyps to extend fully. Random flow patterns work best, and if tentacles are thrashing violently, flow should be reduced immediately.
Placement, Temperament, & Notes on Fish
Middle tank placement with secure mounting is essential for Goniopora success. These corals must be well-positioned on sturdy rockwork to prevent damaging falls, as they are particularly susceptible to physical trauma. Provide adequate spacing around the coral, as Goniopora are aggressive and will sting neighboring corals with their long tentacles that can extend much further than they appear.
Interestingly, clownfish often adopt Goniopora as surrogate anemones when no natural host anemones are available. While this creates an attractive display, monitor the coral for signs of stress from constant fish contact.
Avoid fish species that nip at coral polyps, though angelfish typically leave Goniopora alone, making them surprisingly good tankmates for this species.
Feeding
Feeding is absolutely critical for Goniopora survival and cannot be considered optional. These corals are avid feeders that require regular nutrition beyond what their zooxanthellae provide. The shift toward understanding the feeding requirements of Goniopora has been the single most important factor in improving their survival rates in captivity.
Feed 2–3 times per week with small particle foods including phytoplankton, zooplankton, rotifers, small mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and specialized coral foods. Goniopora require foods high in manganese and iron for proper skeletal development. Target feeding works best – use a syringe or turkey baster to deliver food directly to extended polyps. Turn off all filtration during feeding for 1–2 hours to prevent food from being swept away before the coral can capture it.
Some advanced aquarists believe bacterial supplementation may be necessary for certain species, as these corals are primarily carnivorous rather than relying heavily on photosynthesis. The key is consistent, regular feeding with appropriately sized foods that individual polyps can fully ingest.
Shop Goniopora Coral
At Sanctuary Aquatics we have dozens of Goniopora coral varieties to choose from. These extraordinary flowerpot corals represent some of the most visually stunning and unique specimens available in the reef keeping hobby.
Our selection includes vibrant green varieties ranging from mint to neon, deep red specimens with intense coloration, bi-color combinations, and rare metallic morphs that display extraordinary fluorescence under actinic lighting. Each variety brings its own unique character and mesmerizing movement to reef displays.
While these corals require dedicated care and feeding, the reward of successfully maintaining a thriving Goniopora colony is unmatched in the hobby. Their graceful, hypnotic swaying motion and flower-like beauty make them among the most captivating corals available, serving as stunning focal points that draw admiration from all who observe them.
Browse Goniopora Coral with Sanctuary Aquatics Today!
At Sanctuary Aquatics, we develop our Goniopora coral knowledge from marine science research and years of hands-on reef keeping experience. At our location, we've built specialized tank systems optimized for these demanding corals, featuring carefully controlled moderate lighting, variable flow patterns, and dedicated feeding protocols that allow our Goniopora collection to thrive and display their most vibrant colors and healthy growth patterns.
Contact our team today to see our Goniopora coral selection and get personal advice for your saltwater aquarium needs. As always, be sure to check out our full saltwater coral collection here to see all the species we have available.
