Green Star Polyp

Names & Synonyms

• CommonGreen Star Polyp
• Commonグリーンスターポリプ

Overview

Green star polyps (Briareum spp., family Briareidae), commonly abbreviated GSP, are soft corals found throughout Indo-Pacific and Caribbean tropical reefs. Their characteristic purple-red encrusting mat (stolon) supports dense colonies of star-shaped polyps, each bearing eight slender green pinnules that fluoresce brilliantly under actinic illumination. GSP is extraordinarily adaptable, tolerating a wide range of lighting (50–300 PAR) and flow conditions, making it one of the most beginner-friendly corals available. Standard reef parameters (24–27°C, KH 8–11) are sufficient. Their aggressive growth is a double-edged quality: left untrimmed, stolon mats can blanket live rock entirely, smothering neighboring corals on contact. Regular pruning and careful placement away from other coral species are therefore essential. Propagation by cutting stolon pieces is effortless, and frags are among the most widely traded in the hobby.

Care Specifications

Care Points

• Lighting—Adapts to wide range of light
• Flow—Medium flow opens all polyps
• Propagation—Spreads rapidly by encrusting
• Notes—Watch for overgrowth. May cover other corals

Regulatory & Conservation

Notes:

八放サンゴ(Pachyclavularia/Briareum, Briareidae)=グリーンスターポリプ。CITES 非掲載。

Sources

• AlgaeBarn: SPS/LPS/soft care(careSpec)
• AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101(careSpec)
• DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals(掲載科に Briareidae 含まず)(regulatory)

Related corals of the same type

Antheliaアンセリア（ウェービングハンド）softBeginnerA soft coral whose feathery polyps sway in flow. Similar to Xenia but with larger, always-open polyps; very hardy.Leather CoralウミキノコsoftBeginnerSoft coral with large mushroom-shaped cap. Hardy and fast-growing. Periodically sheds mucus to remove old tissue.Sinularia (Finger Leather Coral)ウミキノコモドキsoftBeginnerFinger-shaped branching soft coral. Related to leather corals and equally hardy. Cream, green, brown color varieties. Similar to Toadstool but with branching form.Toadstool CoralカタトサカsoftBeginnerBranching soft coral that is hardy with diverse color variations. Easy to frag and propagate.Pulsing Xeniaキサンゴ（パルスコーラル）softBeginnerUnique soft coral with pulsing polyps that rhythmically open and close. Mesmerizing movement. Hardy and proliferates quickly.Cladiella (Colt Coral)クレナクティス（クラディエラ）softBeginnerSoft coral with soft finger-like branches. Also called Colt Coral. Very hardy and fast-growing. White and cream common. Safe choice for beginners.

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