Goniopora (Flowerpot Coral)
Goniopora sp.de Blainville, 1830Genus
Beautiful LPS with long polyps like a bouquet. Once considered difficult to keep, but modern techniques have improved success.
Fluorescence appearance
Coral fluorescent proteins are excited by blue/actinic light. Appearance differs greatly from under white light.
Names & Synonyms
- CommonGoniopora (Flowerpot Coral)
- Commonハナガササンゴ（ゴニオポラ）
- SynonymAstroitis
- SynonymCalathiscus
- SynonymGoniaraea
- SynonymLitharaea
- SynonymMachadoporites
Overview
Goniopora (family Acroporidae), commonly called flowerpot coral, produces dozens to hundreds of long flower-stalk polyps (3–5 mm diameter) that extend from the colony like a bouquet—one of the most visually striking LPS corals available. Native to turbid lagoons and sandy substrates of the Indo-Pacific, it was historically considered difficult to maintain, but modern reef-keeping techniques and improved phytoplankton feeding regimens have significantly increased success rates. It prefers moderate lighting (150–250 PAR) and gentle indirect flow; strong currents cause polyp retraction. Weekly target feeding with phytoplankton and rotifers is important for long-term survival alongside stable calcium, alkalinity, and low nutrient levels.
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 | Low |
| Placement | Bottom |
Care Points
- Lighting—Moderate
- Flow—Gentle indirect flow
- Feeding—Regular feeding important. Powder food effective
- Water Quality—Maintain stable water parameters
- Notes—RTN risk — avoid sudden water quality changes
Regulatory & Conservation
- CITES:
- Appendix II
- Notes:
- イシサンゴ目(Goniopora, Poritidae)=ハナガササンゴ。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)
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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