Green Goniopora - Goniopora sp.

Green Goniopora (Goniopora sp.)

Green Goniopora is a beautiful LPS coral admired for its vivid green colouration, long flowing polyps and soft, flower-like movement in the reef aquarium. When settled, it creates a striking display with excellent motion and texture, making it a popular choice for reef keepers looking to add a vibrant, elegant feature coral to a stable marine system.

Common Name:
Green Goniopora, Goniopora Coral, Flowerpot Coral, Daisy Coral

Scientific Name (Latin):
Goniopora sp.

Coral Type:
LPS Coral

Growth Form:
Mounding skeletal growth with long, fleshy polyps extending from individual corallites.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Goniopora corals are found across Indo-Pacific reef environments, including lagoons, reef slopes and turbid reef areas where they receive moderate light, gentle to moderate flow and a regular supply of fine suspended foods.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Alkalinity: 7–10 dKH
Calcium: 400–450 ppm
Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
Nitrate: Low but detectable
Phosphate: Low but detectable

Lighting:
MEDIUM
Green Goniopora generally does best under moderate reef lighting. Avoid placing it directly under very intense light when first introduced, as sudden exposure can cause retraction or stress. Gradual light acclimation is recommended, allowing the coral time to extend and settle.

Flow:
LOW TO MEDIUM
Provide gentle to moderate, indirect flow that allows the polyps to sway naturally without being flattened or blasted. Flow should help prevent detritus settling between the polyps while still allowing full, relaxed extension.

Placement:
Place on the sandbed or lower to middle rockwork where the coral has room to expand fully. Ensure it is not shaded too heavily and leave generous space around it, as the long polyps can extend well beyond the skeleton and may be irritated by contact with neighbouring corals.

Temperament / Aggression:
Peaceful to semi-aggressive
Goniopora is generally not as aggressive as many stinging LPS corals, but its long polyps can irritate nearby corals through contact. Provide sensible spacing and avoid placing it where more aggressive corals may sting or damage its extended polyps.

Feeding:
Photosynthetic, but benefits from feeding
Green Goniopora receives energy from light through its symbiotic zooxanthellae, but regular fine feeding can support polyp extension, colour and long-term health. Suitable foods include powdered coral foods, fine zooplankton, amino acids, phytoplankton-based foods and small particulate reef foods.

Growth Rate:
Slow to moderate
In a stable reef aquarium, Green Goniopora can gradually develop stronger polyp extension and expand its skeletal base over time. Growth is usually steady rather than fast and is best supported by stable parameters, suitable nutrients, gentle flow and regular fine feeding.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Green Goniopora prefers a mature, stable reef aquarium with low but detectable nutrients and consistent water chemistry. Avoid sudden changes in alkalinity, salinity or lighting, and do not place it in harsh direct flow. Regular feeding with fine coral foods can be beneficial, but avoid heavy feeding that may reduce water quality. Inspect carefully before introduction and use coral dips where appropriate. Watch for prolonged retraction, tissue recession or detritus build-up between the polyps, as these can indicate stress or unsuitable placement.

Suitable for:
Intermediate reefkeepers

Availability:
Regularly available in the coral trade

All images are a visual representation of the coral you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns, colours and growth form will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.