Goniastrea

Goniastrea are a classic LPS coral, part of the wider Merulinidae family that includes Favia and Favites. In the hobby, they're often called honeycomb corals because of their distinct, tightly-packed corallites that form a geometric, repeating pattern across the colony's surface. They are a durable and rewarding coral to grow.

In a home reef, Goniastrea typically grows in an encrusting or submassive boulder shape, steadily covering the rockwork it is placed on. The polyps themselves are small and fleshy, and when extended can give the colony a soft, textured look. This species is most often seen in earthy tones of green, brown, or cream, sometimes with a contrasting oral disc that adds a subtle point of interest.

For care, Goniastrea is quite straightforward. It prefers moderate lighting; a PAR range of 100-200 is a good target. Placement in the lower to middle sections of the aquarium on the rockwork is ideal. Water flow should also be moderate—enough to keep the surface clear of detritus without being a direct blast that would cause the polyps to remain retracted. While photosynthetic, they do appreciate occasional feedings of small meaty foods. Keep water parameters stable, with calcium at 420-440 ppm, alkalinity at 8-9 dKH, and magnesium between 1300-1400 ppm.

Goniastrea are considered peaceful and are not known for aggressive sweeper tentacles, but it is always wise to provide a few centimetres of space for future growth and as a general precaution. Their steady encrusting habit makes them an excellent candidate for adding texture and colour to bare areas of live rock. They are a hardy choice suitable for many types of mixed reef aquariums.

This is a WYSIWYG item, so you'll receive the exact specimen pictured.

We take livestock seriously. That's why we don't sell anything we wouldn't be comfortable putting in our own tank.

As we are direct from source, we import and sell direct to the public. This means you can buy with confidence knowing EMA prides itself on excellent handling and conditioning protocols.

Fish

All our fish held in a quarantine system for a minimum of 3 weeks. During this time, regular water changes are performed, and twice daily (or sometimes more) feedings are performed.

Copper is dosed and checked twice a day for ich and velvet.

During this treatment fish are given formalin baths for brooklynella and a minimum of 3 praziquantel doses is performed for flukes.

Coral

Our coral is quarantined for a minimum of 3 weeks, just like fish. During this time, regular water changes are performed, water testing done, and once a month a Fauna Marin ICP Total is performed.

Corals are inspected for pests/general health and are provided with a pest dip once a week for at least 3 weeks.

If we see signs of pests, the quarantine period is extended and/or additional dips are performed

If coral is bleached/unhealthy, it will remain in quarantine until healthy enough to sell.