ECC Sunflower Short Polyp Goniopora

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Moderate
• Coral Type: LPS (Large Polyp Stony)
• Lighting Requirement: Medium (150-250 PAR)
• Flow: Moderate
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
• Placement: Rockwork
• Approximate Purchase Size: 3/4"

Overview

The ECC Sunflower Short Polyp Goniopora shows warm gold-orange “sunflower” polyps on a pink-red base with soft green tips. Start it in moderate light with gentle, varied flow so the polyps sway rather than whip. Set it on stable rock with a bit of space and keep it from touching other corals. Keep alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium steady with nutrients above zero; small-particle feedings will help with long-term success.

Note: This is not a WYSIWYG listing. Photo is a representation of the shape, size, and color of the coral you will receive.

Goniopora Care Guide

Water Parameters

Corals thrive in stable water conditions with regular water changes. Corals with a hard skeleton, like this one, will consume calcium and alkalinity as they grow, often requiring additional supplementation. Routine water testing helps ensure these needs are consistently met.

• Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.025-1.026
• Temperature: 75-78 Degrees F
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Alkalinity: 8-9.5 dKH
• Calcium: 400-450ppm
• Magnesium: 1300-1450ppm
• Nitrate (NO3): 1-25ppm
• Phosphate: 0.01-0.1ppm
• Nitrite (NO2): Undetectable
• Ammonia (NH3): Undetectable

Lighting Requirements

The Goniopora coral prefers moderate-light areas of the aquarium, ideally in the 150-250 PAR range. While it can adapt to slightly higher lighting, slow acclimation is essential to avoid polyp retraction or bleaching.

For those with mixed reef tanks, a PAR meter is invaluable for fine-tuning light levels across different corals, helping ensure each coral gets the right intensity for its needs. This careful setup supports the coral’s vibrant color and long-term health.

Ideal Tank Placement

Goniopora are most often placed on rockwork where the polyps have room to sway and extend without disturbing neighboring corals.

Water Flow Requirements

Moderate flow is ideal. Too little and detritus may collect between the polyps; too much and the polyps may remain retracted. Indirect, variable flow works best.

Aggressiveness and Compatibility

This coral is semi-aggressive and requires space to avoid contact with neighboring corals.

Feeding and Nutrition

Goniopora primarily relies on photosynthesis for energy, but will benefit from feedings with coral foods such as Reef Chili and amino acids like CoralAmino to enhance its growth and coloration.

Growth Rate and Pattern

This coral is a slow, but steady grower and has a rounded, encrusting mound growth pattern.

Acclimation Process

Acclimation is essential for corals to adjust to their new environment. For a full step-by-step process, refer to our Coral Acclimation Guide.