Purple & Toxic Green Goniastrea Coral

Goniastrea corals are a popular type of large polyp stony (LPS) coral appreciated for their brain-like appearance and diverse range of colors. Often grouped with Favia or Favites, Goniastrea have their own distinct charm with unique corallite structures that create an intriguing, textured surface. These corals are generally hardy and can be a great choice for hobbyists looking to add a robust encrusting coral to their reef aquarium.

The appearance of Goniastrea is typically massive or encrusting, forming boulder-like shapes over time that contour to the aquarium rockwork. The surface is covered in cerioid corallites, meaning the walls between individual polyps are fused together, contributing to its classic brain coral look. While coloration is highly variable, they often come in shades of green, brown, red, or purple, frequently with a contrasting color in the center of the polyps. At night, their feeder tentacles may extend, adding another layer of interest.

For care, Goniastrea thrive under low to moderate lighting, in a PAR range of 75 to 150. They prefer moderate, indirect water flow which is strong enough to keep them clean but not so strong that it prevents the polyps from extending. Ideal placement is on the sandbed or on lower to mid-level rockwork. While photosynthetic, they benefit from supplemental feeding; target feeding with mysis, brine shrimp, or LPS pellets once or twice a week will promote better health and growth. Maintain stable water parameters with calcium between 400-450 ppm, alkalinity at 8-12 dKH, and magnesium between 1250-1350 ppm. Goniastrea can be aggressive and extend sweeper tentacles at night, so provide at least a few inches of space between them and neighboring corals. Standard drip acclimation is recommended for a smooth transition into the aquarium.

Goniastrea is a worthwhile addition for its texture, color, and steady encrusting growth habit. It is an excellent coral for adding topographic interest and a splash of color to the lower and middle regions of a reef tank, rewarding the patient hobbyist with a unique and hardy centerpiece.

This is a WYSIWYG ("What You See Is What You Get") item. The coral you will receive is the exact specimen shown in the product photo. There is no guesswork involved; you are purchasing this specific coral. A photo of the coral on a frag plug is provided for scale.

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.