Green Star Polyps

Green Star Polyps are one of the most recognisable soft corals in the reef aquarium hobby, often recommended to newcomers for their resilience. This species, Briareum sp., forms a distinctive purple or reddish mat from which bright green polyps emerge, creating a lawn-like effect that can cover rocks, back walls, and other surfaces.

The polyps themselves are the main feature. Each one has eight delicate, feather-like tentacles surrounding a central opening, which gives the colony a fine, textured appearance. They are very responsive to water flow, gently swaying in the current, and will retract quickly when disturbed, leaving only the rubbery purple base visible until they feel secure again.

Care for Green Star Polyps is straightforward, as they are tolerant of a wide range of conditions. They do well in low to high lighting, anywhere from 50 to 250 PAR. Flow should be moderate to ensure the polyps extend fully and detritus doesn't settle on the mat. Standard reef parameters are sufficient: Calcium around 420-440 ppm, Alkalinity at 8-9 dKH, and Magnesium at 1300-1400. Due to their fast growth, it's best to place them on an isolated rock or on the back glass to prevent them from encrusting and overgrowing neighbouring corals.

Their rapid growth and hardiness make them an excellent choice for adding movement and colour to a new tank or filling in empty spaces in a mature reef. Just be mindful of their growth rate, as they will readily encrust anything they can reach. With a little planning, they are a simple and rewarding coral to keep.

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.