Goniastrea Brain Coral

Goniastrea sp. is a distinctive and attractive large-polyp stony coral forming hemispherical to mounding colonies with a characteristic meandering valley structure that places it visually between the discrete rounded pits of Favia and the continuous flowing maze of Platygyra. Its color palette spans vivid teal, olive green, tan, golden-yellow, and brown with contrasting pale valley floors and polyp centers, making each colony a visually interesting and unique specimen. Goniastrea is moderately tolerant of fluctuating water quality compared to more sensitive LPS species, making it a good intermediate challenge for hobbyists looking to expand beyond the most beginner-friendly LPS corals. It extends sweeper tentacles at night to defend its territory, requiring reasonable spacing from neighboring corals.

Place in medium lighting with gentle to moderate, indirect water flow. Allow 10–15 cm clearance from neighboring corals to accommodate sweeper tentacles. Target feed weekly with Reef-Roids or LPS coral preparations. Maintain stable reef chemistry: alkalinity 8–11 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm. Monitor for bleaching under excessively strong lighting — move to a slightly shaded position if bleaching occurs.