Goniopora

LPS

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Goniopora spp.

Goniopora is a genus containing multiple species. “Flowerpot” and seller colour names do not identify a species.

Family: Poritidae

Count the tentacles on a single open flower, not the number of flowers on the colony.

Care

Moderate

Lighting

Medium

Flow

Medium

How to recognise it

A clearly visible Goniopora polyp has 24 tentacles. Use a close, sharp view; overlapping or folded tentacles make counting unreliable.

Similar corals

Alveopora: Has 12 tentacles per polyp. If you cannot count them, a flowerpot-group identification is more honest.

In the tank

Placement & flow

Use low to medium, changing flow so the stalks wave gently. A direct pump jet can damage tissue. Acclimate lighting to the particular specimen.

Feeding

Fine suspended coral foods can help. Start with small amounts and monitor nutrients rather than adding large quantities because the colony looks closed.

Space & neighbours

Allow space for the fully extended colony so it does not brush adjacent corals.

What to watch for

Long-term decline can occur despite good initial extension. Track recession, feeding, flow and water trends. Do not assume every Goniopora has the same hardiness.

Water parameters

General coral-aquarium ranges from NOAA, not species-specific tolerances. Keep your established values steady; do not move between the ends of a range to chase a number.

General coral aquarium parameter ranges
Temperature	24.5–28 °C
Salinity	35 ppt
pH	8.1–8.3
Alkalinity	8–10 dKH
Calcium	380–450 ppm
Magnesium	1,250–1,350 ppm

Tidal Gardens suggests nitrate 10–20 ppm and phosphate around 0.05 ppm as a starting point, while noting successful systems vary. These are husbandry guides, not survival limits.