Rainbow Goniopora (Goniopora sp.)

The Rainbow Goniopora, Goniopora sp., is a colourful large polyp stony coral, admired for its long flowing polyps, flower-like appearance and vibrant rainbow colouration. Also known as Flowerpot Coral or Daisy Coral, Goniopora can create beautiful movement in a reef aquarium as its polyps extend and sway gently in the flow. This coral is best suited to a mature, stable reef aquarium with moderate lighting, indirect flow and consistent nutrient availability.

Common Name:
Rainbow Goniopora, Goniopora Coral, Flowerpot Coral, Daisy Coral, Flower Pot Coral.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Goniopora sp.

Coral Type:
LPS Coral

Growth Form:
Encrusting to mounding large polyp stony coral with long extended polyps and flower-like tips.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Goniopora-style flowerpot corals are found in Indo-Pacific reef habitats, including reef slopes, lagoons, turbid reef zones and areas where they can receive regular suspended nutrition from the water column. In aquariums, they are best placed where their polyps can extend fully without being blasted by direct flow or crowded by neighbouring corals.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Alkalinity: 7–10 dKH
Calcium: 400–450 ppm
Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
Nitrate: Low but detectable
Phosphate: Low but detectable

Lighting:
Medium
Rainbow Goniopora generally does best under moderate reef lighting. Avoid placing it directly under very intense lighting without acclimation, as sudden increases in light can cause stress or reduced polyp extension. Lower-to-middle placement with gradual light acclimation is usually safest.

Flow:
Medium
Moderate, random indirect flow is ideal. Flow should keep the polyps gently moving and help prevent debris settling around the coral, but it should not be so strong that the polyps are constantly forced closed, whipped around or unable to extend naturally.

Placement:
Best placed on stable lower-to-middle rockwork or a secure lower area of the aquarium where the polyps have room to extend fully. Avoid placing too close to neighbouring corals, as the long polyps can be irritated by contact, shading or coral warfare.

Temperament / Aggression:
Peaceful to semi-aggressive
Rainbow Goniopora is generally not one of the most aggressive LPS corals, but it should still be given space from neighbouring corals. Its long polyps can be damaged by stings, abrasion or constant contact with other corals.

Feeding:
Photosynthetic, but benefits from feeding
This coral receives energy from lighting through its symbiotic zooxanthellae, but Goniopora often benefits from regular small-particle feeding. Suitable foods include fine coral foods, phytoplankton-style feeds, zooplankton, amino acids, reef roids-style foods and other powdered or liquid coral feeds. Feed lightly and consistently rather than heavily, as excess food can affect water quality.

Growth Rate:
Slow to moderate
Growth and polyp extension are best maintained in stable reef systems with consistent parameters, moderate nutrients and suitable flow. Regular feeding and good trace element stability can help support stronger extension, colour and long-term health.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a mature, stable reef aquarium with consistent alkalinity, calcium, magnesium and detectable nutrients. Avoid very low-nutrient systems, harsh direct flow, sudden lighting changes and unstable parameters. Goniopora can sulk or retract if irritated, so allow time for it to settle after introduction. Dip and acclimate carefully before adding to the aquarium, and monitor for poor polyp extension, tissue recession, pests or detritus build-up around the base.

Suitable for:
Intermediate reefkeepers

Availability:
Regularly available in the coral trade / Availability can vary depending on colour intensity, polyp length, supplier naming and season.

All images are a visual representation of the coral you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns, colours and growth form will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.

Rainbow Goniopora - Goniopora Sp.