Red Goniopora

Red Goniopora Coral (Flowerpot Coral)

Scientific name: Goniopora sp.

🪸 Description

The Red Goniopora, often called the Red Flowerpot Coral, is a stunning LPS (Large Polyp Stony) coral prized for its vibrant deep-red to crimson tentacles and daisy-like polyps. Each polyp extends gracefully from its skeleton, creating a mesmerizing, flower-like appearance that sways beautifully in gentle flow. This coral makes a striking centerpiece in any reef aquarium, adding vivid color and natural movement.

⚙️ Care Level: Moderate to Difficult

Goniopora corals are known for their delicate nature and specific needs, but with stable conditions and proper feeding, modern reef systems can sustain them successfully.

💡 Lighting

• Moderate to High (PAR 80–150)

• Best under full-spectrum reef lighting with strong blue channels to enhance coloration.

• Avoid sudden lighting changes — acclimate slowly to prevent bleaching.

🌊 Water Flow

• Moderate, indirect flow

• Enough current to keep the polyps gently waving but not whipping around — too much flow can cause them to retract.

🧪 Water Parameters

🍤 Feeding

• Photosynthetic, but benefits greatly from target feeding 2–3 times per week.

• Feed with fine coral foods like Reef Roids, Phyto, or Mysis shrimp (finely chopped).

• Polyps extend more fully when regularly fed.

🪸 Placement

• Mid to lower areas of the tank.

• Allow ample space — Goniopora can extend long polyps and may sting nearby corals.

• Place where it receives indirect but steady flow and light.

⚠️ Notes

• Sensitive to rapid parameter swings, especially alkalinity.

• Avoid direct contact with aggressive corals.

• Regular small water changes and trace element supplementation (especially iron and manganese) promote long-term health and growth.

Red Goniopora Coral (Flowerpot Coral)

Scientific name: Goniopora sp.

🪸 Description

The Red Goniopora, often called the Red Flowerpot Coral, is a stunning LPS (Large Polyp Stony) coral prized for its vibrant deep-red to crimson tentacles and daisy-like polyps. Each polyp extends gracefully from its skeleton, creating a mesmerizing, flower-like appearance that sways beautifully in gentle flow. This coral makes a striking centerpiece in any reef aquarium, adding vivid color and natural movement.

⚙️ Care Level: Moderate to Difficult

Goniopora corals are known for their delicate nature and specific needs, but with stable conditions and proper feeding, modern reef systems can sustain them successfully.

💡 Lighting

• Moderate to High (PAR 80–150)

• Best under full-spectrum reef lighting with strong blue channels to enhance coloration.

• Avoid sudden lighting changes — acclimate slowly to prevent bleaching.

🌊 Water Flow

• Moderate, indirect flow

• Enough current to keep the polyps gently waving but not whipping around — too much flow can cause them to retract.

🧪 Water Parameters

🍤 Feeding

• Photosynthetic, but benefits greatly from target feeding 2–3 times per week.

• Feed with fine coral foods like Reef Roids, Phyto, or Mysis shrimp (finely chopped).

• Polyps extend more fully when regularly fed.

🪸 Placement

• Mid to lower areas of the tank.

• Allow ample space — Goniopora can extend long polyps and may sting nearby corals.

• Place where it receives indirect but steady flow and light.

⚠️ Notes

• Sensitive to rapid parameter swings, especially alkalinity.

• Avoid direct contact with aggressive corals.

• Regular small water changes and trace element supplementation (especially iron and manganese) promote long-term health and growth.