Goniopora & Alveopora Coral Care Guide – Care, Feeding & Lighting Tips

Introduction

Goniopora and Alveopora corals are soft-tissue LPS corals cherished for their long, flowing polyps and striking visual impact. Their waving tentacles create movement in the reef tank, making them a favorite for hobbyists looking to add dynamic texture and color. While both corals appear similar, they differ in polyp structure and taxonomy.

Scientific Name & Identification

• Goniopora: Colonies form mounds or encrusting structures with polyps that have 24 tentacles each and thick fleshy bases.

• Alveopora: Colonies are often flatter or plate-like, with smaller, more delicate polyps bearing 12 tentacles.

Despite their similar appearance, Alveopora belongs to the Acroporidae family, whereas Goniopora is in the Poritidae family, making them only distantly related. These differences in polyp size, tentacle count, and colony shape help differentiate the two genera.

Natural Habitat

Native to the Indo-Pacific, both genera are typically found on reef slopes, lagoons, and sheltered reef zones with moderate to low water flow. They naturally favor areas with indirect sunlight and steady current.

Aquarium Care & Setup

Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)

pH: 8.1–8.4

Salinity: 1.024–1.026

Flow: Gentle to moderate to prevent damage to delicate polyps

Lighting: Moderate (50–150 PAR), avoiding intense direct light

Placement: Sandbed or rockwork with space for polyp extension

Feeding Goniopora & Alveopora Corals

Both genera benefit from target feeding 1–3 times per week. Fine particulate foods such as rotifers, mysis shrimp, or specialized coral foods encourage polyp extension, healthy growth, and vibrant colors.

Growth and Behavior

Goniopora forms rounded mounds or encrusting colonies, whereas Alveopora forms flatter plates or encrustations. Polyps extend both day and night, providing movement and texture in the tank. Both are peaceful, though Alveopora is more delicate and sensitive to flow and light changes.

Tankmates

Compatible with most peaceful reef fish and invertebrates. Avoid aggressive coral species that may overshadow or irritate the polyps. Suitable tankmates include gobies, cleaner shrimp, tangs, and small wrasses.

FAQs about Goniopora & Alveopora Corals

Are Goniopora and Alveopora corals easy to keep?

They are moderate to advanced; stable water conditions and careful placement are essential.

Do they need to be fed?

No, but target feeding 1–3 times per week supports healthy growth and polyp extension.

What lighting do they need?

Moderate lighting (50–150 PAR). Avoid direct intense light to prevent bleaching, especially for Alveopora.

Where should I place them in my tank?

Rockwork or sandbed with gentle to moderate flow, leaving room for polyps to extend freely.

Will they sting other corals?

No, both are peaceful and safe with nearby corals.

How fast do they grow?

Slow to moderate; colonies gradually expand with proper care.

Conclusion

Goniopora and Alveopora corals are visually dynamic LPS corals that add movement, texture, and color to any reef aquarium. While they appear similar, Alveopora is not closely related to Goniopora, and careful attention to lighting, flow, and feeding ensures both thrive. These corals are excellent choices for hobbyists seeking flowing, vibrant colonies with long, waving polyps.

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