Galaxea
Genus
An LPS coral with white balls on clear tentacle tips. Attacks neighbors with long sweeper tentacles.

Names & Synonyms
- CommonGalaxea
- Commonギャラクシーコーラル
Overview
Galaxea fascicularis (family Euphylliidae), the galaxy coral, is a large-polyp stony coral abundant on shallow Indo-Pacific reef flats and slopes. Colonies of elongated tubular polyps bear distinctive white spherical acrhelia at their tips that resemble a field of stars—the source of the evocative common name. Colors range from green and brown to gray, with some individuals producing fluorescent green responses under actinic light. Moderate lighting (100–250 PAR) and moderate flow are appropriate. Parameters (24–27°C, KH 8–10, Ca 400–430 ppm) should be kept stable. The critical management challenge is Galaxea's extraordinary aggression: sweeper tentacles extending 30 cm or more emerge nightly and inflict severe damage on all neighboring corals. Maintaining generous isolation distances from other specimens in the display is therefore mandatory. Weekly feeding with brine shrimp or small pellets promotes rapid growth. While Galaxea is intrinsically hardy, managing its aggression places it firmly in the intermediate-to-advanced category.
Care Specifications
| Type | LPS |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24〜27℃ |
| Specific gravity | 1.023〜1.025 |
| Salinity | 33〜35 ppt |
| KH (carbonate hardness) | 8〜12 dKH |
| Calcium (Ca) | 400〜450 mg/L |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 1280〜1350 mg/L |
| Lighting | Medium |
| Water flow | Medium |
| Placement | Middle |
Care Points
- Lighting—Medium light
- Flow—Medium flow
- Placement—Ensure space around it
- Notes—Very long sweeper tentacles, watch neighbors
Regulatory & Conservation
- CITES:
- Appendix II
- Notes:
- イシサンゴ目(Galaxea, Euphylliidae)。CITES 附属書II。
Sources
- AlgaeBarn: SPS/LPS care (PAR/flow)(careSpec)
- AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101(careSpec)
- DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals (Scleractinia spp. = App. II)(regulatory)
- Wikipedia(detail)
Related corals of the same type
AcanthastreaアカンサストレアlpsBeginnerAn LPS coral with metallic colors in large polyps. Australian specimens are popular as premium pieces.
Acan CoralアカンソフィリアlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with rich colorful variations. Highly popular among collectors with many high-value specimens.
Acanthophyllia (Meat Coral)アカントフィリアlpsIntermediateLPS coral with single massive polyp. Vivid red, green, blue colors earn it the 'Meat Coral' nickname. Impressive when fleshy tissue inflates fully.
Acan LordアカンロードlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with vivid multicolor patterns beautiful as jewels. Premium species popular among collectors.
AlveoporaアルベオポラlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with long tentacles similar to Goniopora. Hardier and easier to keep than Goniopora.
War CoralウォーコーラルlpsBeginnerAn LPS coral with distinctive rugged appearance. Also called Favia, beautiful with fluorescent colors.Related care articles

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