Goniastrea Coral
Goniastrea Coral is a hardy and attractive LPS coral that adds texture, pattern, and natural reef character to a marine aquarium. Often referred to as Honeycomb Coral, Goniastrea is known for its tightly packed corallites that create a geometric, repeating pattern across the colony’s surface.
This coral is a great choice for reef keepers wanting a durable, lower-maintenance LPS coral with steady growth and interesting structure. In the aquarium, Goniastrea typically grows in an encrusting or boulder-like form, gradually spreading over the rockwork and creating a natural, mature reef look.
Goniastrea often displays earthy tones such as green, brown, cream, or mixed shades, with some specimens showing contrasting centres or oral discs. While it may not be as flashy as some ultra-bright LPS corals, its pattern, texture, and reliable hardiness make it a very rewarding coral to keep.
Goniastrea does best under moderate lighting, with a PAR range of around 100–200. Placement in the lower to middle areas of the aquarium is ideal, preferably on stable rockwork where it has room to slowly encrust and expand.
Moderate, indirect flow is recommended. The flow should be strong enough to prevent detritus from settling on the coral’s surface, but not so strong that the polyps remain retracted. Like most LPS corals, Goniastrea benefits from stable parameters and consistent aquarium conditions.
While this coral is photosynthetic, it can benefit from occasional feeding with small meaty coral foods or fine LPS foods. Target feeding can help support growth and overall polyp health, especially in lower-nutrient reef systems.
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Coral Type: LPS Coral
Lighting: Moderate, 100–200 PAR
Flow: Moderate, indirect
Placement: Lower to middle rockwork
Temperament: Peaceful
Feeding: Photosynthetic, benefits from occasional target feeding
Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
Temperature: 24–26°C
Alkalinity: 8–9 dKH
Calcium: 420–440 ppm
Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm
Goniastrea is generally considered peaceful and is not known for long aggressive sweeper tentacles, but it is still best to allow space for future growth and to avoid direct contact with neighbouring corals.
With its honeycomb-like structure, steady growth, and hardy nature, Goniastrea Coral is an excellent addition to mixed reef aquariums. It is especially useful for adding texture and subtle colour to bare rockwork while helping create a more established, natural-looking reef display.
