Goniopora, Flowerpot Corals red/pink

Goniopora are a very attractive coral that grows in abundance in the wild.  As their name states, they look like a bouquet of flowers.  The red/pink ones are quite bright and really add to the decor of your tank. 

Feeding:  The coral’s only response to having food dropped on it is to retract its polyps.  They are also not visibly responsive to clouds of food in the water.  I suspect the coral eats bacteria and dissolved organics.  They may do better in a dirty tank with frequent stirrings of the substrate—before you leave for the day, perhaps 

Lighting:  Goniopora come from sediment filled waters and require lighting medium lighting.  They should be protected from the glare of metal halides and will probably do best under florescent lighting. 

Water Flow:  Moderate water flow is all that is needed. 

Placement:  Place them away from other corals.  Placing in the corner of your tank will give you two sides that are not adjacent to other corals.  Alternatively, you could separate it with a rock.  Plenty of space is also a good rule of thumb.  Six inches would be a good place to start. 

Propagation: The coral can be fragged after it grows. 

Aggression: Goniopora don’t have sweeper tentacles but they can extend long distances to ward off other corals.  

Other Information:  These corals come in a few varieties.  Red or pink is the hardiest in an aquarium.   The reef hobby is still studying these corals, which sometimes fade away over a year or two.    Fading is a sign of starvation.  I believe the substrate stirring may help.  Their natural habitat is nutrient rich and in that environment, an active response to food may not be needed.  I also believe that fish may provide the coral with needed nutrients and murkier water.  Their attractiveness makes raising them and learning about them worthwhile.  

                Above: flowerpot colors really pop under actinic light.  They change from pink to red.  

Size is XL 6 to 7 inches long.