Red Goniopora
Thought to be one of the more hardy species of this type of coral, Red Goniopora are beautiful additions to the captive reef tank. They originate from extremely nutrient rich waters of the Indo-Pacific, and it is thought that the success rate for keeping Red Goniopora is low because aquarium environments are considered too sterile for them.
Caring For Red Goniopora
Turbid lagoons in shallow water on coral rubble or soft substrates is where most Red Goniopora 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 Red Goniopora may contribute greatly to its overall health, although many factors are important to its care.
Red Goniopora Appearance
Colonies of Red Goniopora 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. Red Goniopora coral polyps have 24 tentacles, and different species usually have polyps of different shapes and colors. It is also referred to as Flower Pot, Ball, Daisy or Sunflower Coral, and is red in color.
Feeding Red Goniopora
While some choose to not feed their Red Goniopora at all (relying on photosynthesis), others have achieved success in feeding phytoplankton and other small particle commercial foods and brine shrimp. Come hobbyists have had success feeding these corals fine particle foods such as oyster eggs and cyclopeeze. It is well known in the coral hobby community that feeding Red Goniopora coral is more of a trial and error adventure.
Tank Lighting For Red Goniopora
Tank conditions need to be "perfect" in order for Red Goniopora to thrive. One of the most important aspects of keeping this 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. Red Goniopora will retreat fully into their skeleton and often die if not lighted properly.
Overall Red Goniopora Experience
In general, care and propagation of Red Goniopora 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.
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