Green & Purple Goniastrea Fragment

Goniastrea corals are a popular choice for reef aquarists who appreciate interesting textures and patterns. These large polyp stony (LPS) corals are known for their distinctive maze-like or honeycomb skeletons, which give them a brainy appearance. They are relatively hardy and can add a unique structural element to a mixed reef aquarium, growing in a classic encrusting or boulder-like shape.

The appearance of Goniastrea can vary, but they consistently feature interconnected corallites that create a winding, labyrinthine surface. Their coloration is typically in the range of greens, browns, and reds, often with contrasting colors between the oral discs and the surrounding polyp walls. Over time, a small fragment will encrust over the rockwork and develop into a colony with a dense, textured surface. They are not fast growers, but their steady development is rewarding to observe.

For best results, Goniastrea corals should be kept in a stable reef environment. They prefer moderate lighting levels, with a PAR range between 75 and 150 being a good target. Placement in the lower to middle third of the tank on the rockwork or sandbed is ideal. Water flow should be moderate and indirect, enough to keep the coral's surface clean of detritus without blasting the polyps directly. While they gain energy from their zooxanthellae, they will benefit from occasional target feeding with meaty foods like mysis shrimp or specialized coral diets. Maintain standard reef parameters, including Calcium at 400-450 ppm, Alkalinity at 8-12 dKH, and Magnesium at 1250-1350 ppm. Goniastrea have moderate-length sweeper tentacles, so be sure to provide at least a few inches of space between them and neighboring corals.

With their interesting surface texture and dependable nature, Goniastrea corals are a worthwhile addition to many reef tanks. They offer a different kind of appeal than branching or flowing corals, providing a solid, textured anchor point in an aquascape. Their care requirements are straightforward for an LPS, making them accessible to hobbyists who have some experience maintaining a stable reef.

This is a What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) item. You will receive the exact Goniastrea coral shown in the product photo.

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.