{"product_id":"goniastrea","title":"Goniastrea","description":"\u003cp\u003eGoniastrea 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoniastrea 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a WYSIWYG item, so you'll receive the exact specimen pictured.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eastern Marine Aquariums","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42285636157495,"sku":"EMA-LPS-20260626-5ODP","price":65.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1849\/1739\/files\/f86a9ac1-8034-4906-983f-6c273acc4053-_MG_4128.png?v=1782496188","url":"https:\/\/easternmarineaquariums.co.nz\/products\/goniastrea","provider":"EasternMarine Aquariums","version":"1.0","type":"link"}