Gonis

Goniopora Corals are Large Polyp Stony Corals - or LPS Corals.

A Complete Guide to Goniopora (Flowerpot Corals) Care and Selection

Looking for Goniopora coral for sale? Our premium collection features sustainably aquacultured flowerpot corals, carefully selected for their vibrant colors and healthy polyp extension. Each specimen represents the finest examples of farm-raised Goniopora, perfect for both enthusiast collectors and dedicated reef keepers.

About Goniopora Corals Goniopora corals, commonly known as flowerpot corals or sunflower corals, represent some of the most captivating LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals in the reef-keeping hobby. These sustainably aquacultured specimens feature distinctive circular growth patterns with polyp heads extending on stalks, creating their characteristic flower-like appearance that makes them such striking additions to reef aquariums.

Colors and Varieties Modern aquaculture techniques have produced an impressive variety of Goniopora for sale, featuring stunning color morphs ranging from vibrant greens and purples to rare reds and yellows. Premium specimens may display multi-colored patterns, with some varieties showing remarkable fluorescence under proper lighting. Each farm-raised piece is carefully cultivated to ensure optimal health and color development.

Placement and Compatibility Successful Goniopora care begins with proper placement in your reef aquarium. These corals require adequate space to extend their polyps without contacting other corals. Due to their defensive nature and ability to release toxic chemicals, they should be kept away from other LPS corals, particularly species like Frogspawn and Euphyllia. Never place different Goniopora species too close together, as this can lead to aggressive behavior and potential coral loss.

Lighting Requirements Most aquacultured Goniopora thrive under moderate lighting conditions, with optimal PAR levels between 80-120. While they rely on photosynthetic zooxanthellae for nutrition, excessive light can cause bleaching. We recommend starting with lower intensity and gradually increasing to prevent stress. Some varieties may require shadier locations, so observe your coral's response and adjust accordingly.

Water Flow and Parameters Optimal Goniopora care requires specific water parameters and flow conditions:

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76-80°F (24.4-26.7°C)
• Salinity: 1.023-1.025
• Calcium: 400-450 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8-9 dKH
• Magnesium: 1200-1350 ppm
• Strontium: 8-10 ppm
• Nitrates: 2-10 ppm
• Phosphates: 0.03-0.2 ppm

Water Flow: Goniopora prefer low to moderate, random water flow that creates gentle polyp movement without causing stress. Avoid direct, strong currents that can prevent polyp extension. If you notice polyps struggling to extend or showing signs of stress, adjust the flow accordingly.

Feeding and Nutrition While Goniopora receive nutrients through their symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, supplemental feeding is essential for optimal health and growth. Recommended feeding options include:

• Phytoplankton
• Fine marine snow
• Coral-specific liquid foods
• Microplankton
• Small particle foods like oyster eggs

Best feeding practices include target feeding with a syringe, introducing food near but not directly onto the polyps. For best results, feed 2-3 times per week, turning off filtration briefly during feeding sessions to ensure proper food uptake.

Selecting Your Goniopora When choosing Goniopora coral for sale, look for:

• Active polyp extension during viewing
• Vibrant, consistent coloration
• Quick response to stimuli
• No signs of tissue recession
• Clean, healthy skeleton base
• Stable feeding response

Our Collection Includes:

• Standard healthy specimens for beginners
• Premium colored varieties for collectors
• Ultra-grade specimens with unique patterns
• Mini colonies for instant impact
• Carefully prepared frags for propagation

Propagation and Growth While sexual reproduction rarely occurs in captivity, Goniopora can be propagated through careful fragging of daughter colonies. These secondary growths develop naturally from the parent colony and can be separated once they reach adequate size. All our frags are carefully prepared from healthy parent colonies to ensure the best chance of success in your aquarium.

Care Level and Maintenance While Goniopora have historically been considered challenging, proper care and attention to water parameters can lead to long-term success. Regular maintenance, appropriate feeding, and stable water conditions are key to maintaining healthy, thriving specimens. Each coral comes with our health guarantee and detailed care instructions to ensure successful integration into your reef system.

Regular stock updates provide access to new and exciting color morphs as they become available through our sustainable aquaculture program. Shop our selection of premium Goniopora corals for sale and add these fascinating LPS corals to your reef aquarium today.