Toxic Green Goniastrea Fragment

Goniastrea corals are a familiar sight in reef aquariums, known for their distinctive brain-like appearance and hardy nature. As a classic large-polyp stony (LPS) coral, Goniastrea offers a mounding growth form that slowly encrusts over the rockwork. This particular variety presents with a consistent green colouration across its polyps, a common and well-loved colour morph in the hobby. The surface of a Goniastrea colony is made of many individual polyps, or corallites, each with its own mouth. These polyps are fused together into a solid mass, creating meandering valleys that give the coral its characteristic maze-like pattern. During the day, polyps may remain mostly retracted, showing the skeletal structure, while at night or during feeding, short tentacles may extend, giving the surface a slightly fuzzy appearance. For care in a home reef, Goniastrea is relatively straightforward. It prefers moderate light levels, with a PAR range of about 75-150 being a good target. It should be placed in an area of low to moderate water flow, enough to keep the surface clean without blasting the tissue. Direct placement on the sand bed or on lower rockwork is ideal. While photosynthetic, it benefits from occasional spot feeding with LPS-specific foods. It’s a peaceful coral but should still be given a few centimetres of space from its neighbours to allow for growth. Water parameters should be stable, with calcium at 420-440 ppm, alkalinity between 8-9 dKH, and magnesium around 1300-1400 ppm. Goniastrea makes an excellent addition to a mixed reef, coexisting well with other peaceful inhabitants. Its slow, predictable growth means it won't overtake the tank, and its encrusting habit adds texture and stability to the aquascape over time. It's a reliable coral for aquarists who have mastered the basics of water chemistry and are looking to add a classic LPS piece to their system. This is not a WYSIWYG listing; you'll receive a specimen of the same species with similar size and colouration to the one pictured, hand-picked for health and colour.