WA Joker Goniopora (Aquacultured)
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Aquacultured here at Whitlyn Aquactics the WA Joker Goniopora is a captivating coral with a dramatic color combination that gives it a unique and striking appearance. It features vibrant purple stalks that contrast beautifully with its bright green tentacles, creating an eye-catching display in your reef tank. This Goniopora thrives in moderate light and flow conditions, and it adds a vivid pop of color and movement to any aquarium setup.
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Scientific Name |
Goniopora sp. |
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Waterflow |
Medium |
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Lighting |
Medium |
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Temperament |
Aggressive |
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Care Level |
Moderate |
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Placement |
Middle to Bottom |
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Purchase Size |
Encrusted frag |
Goniopora and Alveopora corals are soft-tissue LPS corals prized for their long, flowing polyps and vibrant colors. These corals create a dynamic, waving display in reef aquariums, adding movement and texture. With moderate lighting, gentle water flow, and occasional feeding, both genera thrive and provide an eye-catching focal point.
Description
Common Names: Goniopora Coral, Flowerpot Coral, Alveopora Coral
Scientific Name: Goniopora spp. / Alveopora spp.
Family: Poritidae (Goniopora), Acroporidae (Alveopora)
Temperament: Peaceful, though may irritate neighboring coral
Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced
Note on Differentiation
While both genera feature long, soft polyps, there are key differences:
- Goniopora: Polyps have a thick, fleshy base and generally 24 tentacles. Colonies form mounding or encrusting shapes.
- Alveopora: Polyps are smaller, more delicate, with 12 tentacles, and colonies are often flatter or plate-like.
Although they appear similar, Alveopora is not closely related to Goniopora, as it belongs to the Acroporidae family, while Goniopora is in the Poritidae family.
Native Habitat & Distribution
Found throughout the Indo-Pacific, often near estuaries that dump manganese rich silt in the area.
Aquarium Care & Setup
Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.024–1.026
Lighting: Moderate (50–150 PAR), avoiding high-intensity light to prevent bleaching
Flow: Gentle to moderate; strong flow can damage delicate polyps
Placement: Rockwork or sandbed with room for polyp extension
Care Tips & Feeding
• Feeding: Target feed 1–3 times per week with finely chopped mysis shrimp, rotifers, or coral-specific foods
• Growth Pattern: Slow-growing, forming mounds, encrusting surfaces, or flat plates depending on species
• Tankmates: Peaceful reef fish and invertebrates; avoid aggressive corals that may overshadow polyps
• Supplements: Manganese has been shown to be highly beneficial in keeping goniopora healthy
• Behavior: Polyps expand day and night, waving gracefully in the current
For more information, check out our Blastomussa Care Guide.
Are Goniopora and Alveopora corals easy to keep?
Both are considered moderate to advanced; they require stable water conditions and careful placement. Manganese supplementation is commonly required, as they're intolerant of depleted levels.
Do they need to be fed?
No, however target feeding 1–3 times per week promotes polyp extension, coloration, and healthy growth.
What lighting do Goniopora and Alveopora corals need?
Moderate lighting (50–150 PAR) is ideal. Avoid intense light to prevent bleaching, especially for Alveopora.
Where should I place them in my tank?
On rockwork or sandbed with gentle to moderate flow, leaving room for polyps to extend.
Will they sting other corals?
Though they generally won't harm neighboring corals, they may irritate them enough to keep them from opening.
How fast do they grow?
Growth is slow to moderate; colonies gradually expand over time with proper care.