Metallic Green Star Polyps
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Metallic Green Star Polyps are a vibrant variety of GSP with a blue-green metallic hue verses the traditional lime green of classic GSP. They thrive in low to high light and moderate to high flow, which helps maintain their health and prevent debris buildup. This encrusting coral spreads rapidly over rock, sand, and even tank walls, making it an excellent choice for adding movement but requiring regular maintenance to control its growth. Easy to care for, it is ideal for beginners looking for a hardy and visually striking coral.
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Scientific Name |
Tubipora Musica |
|
Waterflow |
Medium |
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Lighting |
Medium |
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Temperament |
Non-agressive |
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Care Level |
EASY |
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Placement |
Middle to Bottom |
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Purchase Size |
1" |
Green Star Polyps (Pachyclavularia and related species) are hardy encrusting soft corals prized for their vibrant, waving polyps and rapid growth. They form carpet-like colonies that create movement and color in reef tanks. Easy to care for, Star Polyps are ideal for beginners or experienced aquarists looking to quickly fill rockwork with dynamic soft coral coverage.
Description:
Common Names: Star Polyps, Green Star Polyps, GSP
Scientific Name: Pachyclavularia species
Family: Clavulariidae
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (can overgrow nearby corals)
Difficulty: Easy
Note: Star Polyps are fast-growing and can quickly encrust rock or tank surfaces, potentially shading or overtaking slower-growing corals.
Native Habitat & Distribution:
Found throughout the Indo-Pacific, usually on reef flats and rubble zones with moderate water flow.
Aquarium Care & Setup:
Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.024–1.026
Lighting: Moderate to high; brighter light enhances polyp extension and coloration
Flow: Moderate; gentle turbulence encourages healthy extension
Placement: Rockwork or substrate, allowing space to prevent smothering slower corals
Care Tips & Feeding:
• Feeding: Photosynthetic, but benefits from occasional phytoplankton or fine powdered coral foods
• Growth Pattern: Rapid encrusting colonies with waving polyps
• Tankmates: Compatible with most reef-safe fish and soft corals; avoid slow-growing or sensitive species nearby
• Behavior: Polyps extend continuously in the water column, creating movement and color
For more information, check out our Star Polyps Care Guide.
Are Star Polyps easy to keep?
Yes, they are hardy, fast-growing, and suitable for beginner and experienced reef aquarists.
Do Star Polyps need feeding?
They are primarily photosynthetic but respond well to occasional feedings of phytoplankton or fine particulate foods.
Why are my Star Polyps not spreading?
Insufficient light or flow can slow growth; moderate-to-high light and gentle water movement encourage encrusting.
Where should I place Star Polyps in my tank?
On rockwork or substrate with moderate flow and space for colonies to expand without smothering other corals.
Are Star Polyps aggressive?
They are semi-aggressive due to rapid growth and can overtake slower-growing corals if not managed.
How fast do Star Polyps grow?
Star Polyps are among the fastest-growing soft corals, forming dense carpets over rock surfaces over weeks to months.