GSP

Description

Green Star Polyps, commonly known as GSP, are one of the most popular soft corals in the reef aquarium hobby. Renowned for their vibrant fluorescent green polyps and flowing grass-like appearance, GSP create a stunning carpet effect as they sway gracefully in the current. Their bright coloration and constant movement bring life and energy to any reef aquarium, making them an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced reef keepers.

Under blue-spectrum reef lighting, the fluorescent green polyps become exceptionally vibrant, often appearing to glow against the coral's distinctive purple mat. As the colony grows, it spreads across rockwork, backgrounds, and other suitable surfaces, creating a beautiful living carpet that adds texture and movement throughout the aquarium.

Green Star Polyps are highly adaptable, fast-growing, and forgiving, making them one of the easiest corals to maintain. They are ideal for filling empty spaces, creating colourful coral walls, or adding a dynamic focal point to mixed reef aquariums.

Key Features

• Bright fluorescent green polyps
• Beautiful flowing, grass-like movement
• Fast-growing and hardy
• Excellent beginner coral
• Ideal for creating living coral carpets
• Strong fluorescence under blue LED lighting
• Adds movement and colour to any reef aquarium

Care Guide

Difficulty

Easy

Lighting

Low to High lighting. GSP are highly adaptable and thrive under a wide range of lighting conditions.

Water Flow

Moderate to high flow is preferred. Stronger flow encourages better polyp extension and helps keep the colony free of debris.

Placement

Can be placed virtually anywhere in the aquarium, although many hobbyists prefer isolating it on its own rock to control spreading.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–26°C
• Salinity: 1.025–1.026 SG
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
• Calcium: 380–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250–1400 ppm
• Nitrate: 2–20 ppm
• Phosphate: 0.03–0.15 ppm

Feeding

Primarily photosynthetic and generally does not require direct feeding. However, occasional broadcast feeding of fine coral foods and amino acids may encourage faster growth.

Compatibility

Peaceful and reef-safe. While GSP do not possess powerful stinging tentacles, they can spread rapidly and potentially overgrow slower-growing corals if not managed.

Growth Rate

Fast. Under favourable conditions, Green Star Polyps can quickly spread across rockwork and aquarium backgrounds.

Special Considerations

Due to their rapid growth, many reef keepers place GSP on isolated rocks or dedicated background panels to prevent them from spreading onto other corals. Regular trimming can help maintain the desired appearance and keep growth under control.

Green Star Polyps are an excellent coral for adding vibrant colour, natural movement, and visual impact to reef aquariums while remaining one of the easiest and most rewarding corals to care for.