Goniopora and Alveopora Care Guide
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The short answer: Goniopora and Alveopora are intermediate LPS corals known for long, flowing polyps. They do best under moderate light (about PAR 80–160) with low to moderate, gentle flow, placed on the lower to mid reef away from any direct blast. Unlike many photosynthetic corals, they benefit from frequent feeding with fine particulate foods, and that feeding is a big part of long-term success. Give them room for full polyp extension and keep them away from aggressive stinging neighbors.
Quick facts
| Quick facts | Goniopora & Alveopora |
|---|---|
| Care level | Intermediate |
| Lighting | Moderate |
| PAR guidance | PAR 80–160 |
| Flow | Low to Moderate, gentle |
| Placement | Lower to mid reef away from direct blast |
| Behavior | Long polyps extend best in gentle, indirect movement and may retract under direct blast. |
| Compatibility | Provide room for full polyp extension and keep away from aggressive stinging neighbors. |
| Feeding | Frequent fine particulate feeding helps long-term success |
Goniopora vs Alveopora
Both are often called flowerpot corals. Each polyp is a column topped with a ring of small tentacles, and an extended colony looks like a bouquet of flowers moving in the current. The usual way to tell them apart is the tentacle count: Goniopora polyps have 24 tentacles, while Alveopora polyps have 12. Reefers also describe Goniopora by polyp length, from long-polyp types to short-polyp types; some short-polyp corals are sold under the name Bernardpora, a separate genus split from Goniopora (the former Goniopora stutchburyi). Care is the same for all of them, although short-polyp types are often reported to be hardier.
Goniopora once had a reputation for slowly declining in home aquariums. That reputation is widely linked to poor feeding and to wild-collected specimens shipped in poor condition. With better feeding and more aquacultured stock, many reefers now keep them long term, but they still reward a stable, mature tank more than a new one.
Light and placement
The recommended range is PAR 80–160, moderate light, on the lower to mid reef. Start a new coral at the lower end of that range and move it up gradually only if the polyps stay well extended. More light does not mean better polyp extension; fully open polyps are the best sign a spot is right.
Pick a place with open water around the colony. Extended polyps can be much larger than the skeleton, so leave room in every direction and keep it out of the path of a powerhead.
Flow
Low to moderate, gentle, indirect flow is best. The polyps should sway, not whip or fold flat. A direct blast often makes them retract, and polyps that stay retracted cannot feed. Random or alternating flow from a distance works better than a single pump aimed at the colony.
Feeding
Feeding is the part that matters most with these corals. These corals call for frequent fine particulate feeding. In practice, that means small amounts of very fine foods, such as powdered or very small plankton-type foods, offered often. Reefers either broadcast the food into the water upstream of the coral or gently puff it over the polyps with a feeding pipette, with pumps turned down for a few minutes.
Advice on exactly which foods work best varies between hobbyists. Most agree on the basics: feed often, feed small, and avoid large chunks the polyps cannot handle. Watch your nitrate and phosphate when you increase feeding, and keep them low but not zero.
Water parameters
Use general reef ranges and hold them steady. Stability matters more than a perfect number.
- Temperature: about 76–80°F
- Salinity: about 1.025–1.026 SG
- Alkalinity: about 7–11 dKH, kept steady
- Calcium: about 400–450 ppm
- Magnesium: about 1250–1400 ppm
- Nitrate and phosphate: low but not zero
Neighbors and spacing
Long polyps can reach nearby corals, and Goniopora is easily damaged by stronger stingers. Keep it well away from corals with sweeper tentacles, such as Galaxea, Euphyllia or Hydnophora, and leave enough space that fully extended polyps do not touch anything. Some fish and shrimp pick at extended polyps; if a colony stays closed, watch the tank for a while to see whether something is bothering it.
Common problems
- Polyps not extending. Usual causes are flow that is too strong or direct, a recent change in light or placement, or fish or shrimp picking at it. Reefers soften and redirect the flow, avoid moving the coral repeatedly, and watch for tankmates nipping it. It is normal for polyps to stay closed for a while after shipping or handling.
- Tissue slowly receding from the base or edges. This is often a long-term problem with feeding or stability. Reefers increase fine particulate feeding, check for parameter swings, and make sure the base is not sitting in detritus.
- Bare or pale patches after placement. The usual cause is too much light too fast. Reefers move the coral lower and acclimate it more slowly.
- Damaged tissue where it meets a neighbor. The usual cause is being stung by a more aggressive coral. Reefers move one of the two corals to open up space.
Dipping new corals in a coral dip before adding them to the display is standard practice for keeping pests out.
How our listings work
TIA listings come in three kinds:
- WYSIWYG: The photo is taken individually, and you will receive the exact coral shown.
- Stock: The photo is a stock reference image; yours will be very similar.
- Cut to order: You receive a fresh-cut frag of about 1–2 inches from the colony shown; it will be very similar. Fresh-cut frags need at least 2 weeks to heal before they ship.
See the Help Center for shipping and arrival details.
FAQ
Are Goniopora still hard to keep?
They are rated intermediate. Many reefers now keep them long term, and the main keys are gentle flow, moderate light and frequent fine particulate feeding in a stable tank.
What is the difference between Goniopora and Alveopora?
Goniopora polyps have 24 tentacles and Alveopora polyps have 12. Their care is the same.
How much light does Goniopora need?
The recommended range is PAR 80–160, with moderate lighting on the lower to mid reef.
How often should I feed Goniopora?
Often and in small amounts. These corals call for frequent fine particulate feeding. Exact schedules vary between reefers, so watch polyp extension and nutrient levels and adjust.
Why is my Goniopora closed?
Check flow first, then any recent change in light or placement, then tankmates that might be picking at it. Polyps often stay closed for a while after shipping or being moved.