Goniopora Stokesi
"Flowerpot" or "Daisy" corals such as the Goniopora Stokesi have been common imports from Indonesia and other coral collecting regions since the early years of the reef-keeping hobby. Long term success in keeping Goniopora Stokesi is reportedly rare, and loss of this coral usually occurs slowly, as sort of a wasting condition. This type of coral is not recommended for beginner aquarium keepers.
Caring For Goniopora Stokesi
Turbid lagoons in shallow water on coral rubble or soft substrates is where most Goniopora Stokesi seem to thrive. With its habitat preferences one would think that this is a hardy coral, but unfortunately they are quite delicate. Additions of iron and manganese to the water surrounding Goniopora Stokesi may contribute greatly to its overall health, although many factors are important to its care.
Goniopora Stokesi Appearance
Colonies of Goniopora Stokesi coral are usually branching, columnar or massive, but may be encrusting. Polyps are usually long and flashy and tentacles are normally extended day and night. Corallites have thick but porous walls and calices are filled with compacted septa and columellae. Goniopora Stokesi coral polyps have 24 tentacles, and different species usually have polyps of different shapes and colors. Then ends of the polyps appear to look like flowers, or daisies.
Feeding Goniopora Stokesi
It is well known in the coral hobby community that feeding Goniopora coral is more of a trial and error adventure. While some choose to not feed their Goniopora Stokesi at all (relying on photosynthesis), others have achieved success in feeding phytoplankton and other small particle commercial foods. Come hobbyists have had success feeding these corals fine particle foods such as oyster eggs and cyclopeeze.
Tank Lighting For Goniopora Stokesi
One of the most important aspects of keeping Goniopora Stokesi coral in a tank situation is the availability of lighting. Even turning the lights out for 24 hours can have an adverse affect on this type of coral. Goniopora will retreat fully into their skeleton and often die if not lighted properly.
Overall Goniopora Stokesi Experience
In general, care and propagation of Goniopora Stokesi coral should be left to the more experienced reef keepers. They are traditionally difficult to feed and properly keep in an aquarium setting, although there are many success stories as more people gain knowledge about keeping Goniopora. Many hobbyists have reported trouble keeping Goniopora coral alive more and one year at a time in a tank.
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