Goniopora Spp. (Green Blue Center)
Goniopora spp. (Green with Blue Center) is an LPS coral (Large Polyp Stony coral), often called “flowerpot coral” due to its striking appearance with numerous flower-like polyps. It is quite impressive in reef aquariums, but is considered one of the most demanding and sensitive corals, especially for beginners.
Nutrition:
Although it has symbiotic zooxanthellae (photosynthesis), it benefits from additional feeding.
Foods: phytoplankton, nanoplankton, Reef Roids, powdered LPS foods or target feeding with microparticles.
Feeding 1–2 times a week enhances its health and growth.
It is sensitive to unstable parameters (especially Ca, Mg, Alk).
Care should be taken in placement: do not come into contact with other corals (it has sweeper tentacles and can burn or be burned itself).
It often exhibits “recession” (tissue withdrawal) if it is not fed or if conditions are not ideal.
Compatible with reef-safe fish and invertebrates, but avoid species that bite corals (e.g. angelfish).
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Genus: Goniopora
Common name: Flowerpot coral
Shape: Forms a calcite skeleton in a spherical or hemispherical shape. The polyps have long, thin arms that end in small “flowers”.
Coloration: In the Green Blue Center variety, the body of the polyps is green with a distinctive blue or light blue center.
Growth: Relatively slow, but can grow in colonies if the right conditions are present.
Aquarium Conditions
Water:
Temperature: 24–27°C, Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG, pH: 8.1–8.4, Alkalinity (dKH): 8–10, Calcium (Ca): 400–450 ppm, Magnesium (Mg): 1250–1350 ppm, Nitrates (NO3): 2–10 ppm (preferably not zero, as it needs few nutrients), Phosphates (PO4): 0.02–0.08 ppm
Lighting:
Moderate (PAR ~80–150).
It prefers not too bright light, otherwise it often shrinks.
Ideally placed in the middle zone of the aquarium.
Flow:
Moderate, turbulent flow.
It should not be directly strong (blasting), because the polyps are sensitive and can be injured.
Conclusion: Goniopora Green Blue Center is a beautiful, but demanding LPS coral. It needs stable parameters, moderate light, moderate flow and frequent additional feeding to survive and thrive long-term in a reef aquarium.
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