Gsp (A grade) 2.5cmx2.5cm

🌟 Green Star Polyps (GSP) – Description & Care Guide

Common Names: Green Star Polyps, GSP, Starburst Coral
Scientific Name: Pachyclavularia violacea
Type: Soft Coral
Growth Form: Encrusting, mat-forming
Origin: Indo-Pacific

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🪸 Description

Green Star Polyps are bright green, soft corals known for their brilliant neon polyps that extend from a purple or tan mat (called a coenenchyme). When open, they resemble a glowing field of tiny, waving flowers. GSPs are fast-growing, hardy, and incredibly adaptable—making them great for beginners.

They grow over rocks, sand, frag plugs, or even glass, often forming a lush carpet or waterfall effect when placed strategically.

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🧪 Water Parameters

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💡 Lighting & Flow

• Lighting: Moderate to high. They do well under most reef lights (LED, T5, halide). High light can bring out more intense color.

• Flow: Moderate to strong. They prefer flow that causes gentle swaying of the polyps and helps prevent algae from growing on the mat.

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🍽️ Feeding

• Primarily photosynthetic via symbiotic zooxanthellae.

• Supplemental feeding is not required but may accept:

  • Phytoplankton

  • Fine coral foods
    Feeding is rarely necessary but can encourage faster growth.

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🧼 Care & Placement Tips

• Placement: Ideal for back walls, islands, or isolated rocks. Avoid placing near other corals unless you want it to spread over them—it can overtake neighboring corals.

• Growth Control: Frag often or isolate to prevent overgrowth.

• Fragging: Very easy—cut a piece of the mat and attach it with glue or mesh to a new surface.

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⚠️ Common Issues

• Overgrowth: Can smother other corals if not kept in check.

• Algae Growth: Detritus and algae can build up on the mat if flow is too low.

• Closed Polyps: Often a sign of irritation from algae, debris, or pests. A quick blast with a turkey baster or increasing flow can help.

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✅ Summary

Green Star Polyps are a hardy, fast-growing, and vibrant soft coral that thrive in a wide range of tank conditions. They’re perfect for adding movement and color to the tank—but need controlled placement to prevent them from overrunning your reef.