Platy Coral (Goniopora spp.): A Guide for Reef Aquarists

Platy Coral, scientifically known as Goniopora spp., is a captivating large polyp stony (LPS) coral species known for its long, flowing polyps and vibrant colors. This coral is favored by reef enthusiasts but requires moderate to advanced care due to its feeding needs and sensitivity to water conditions.

Characteristics

• Scientific Name: Goniopora spp.
• Common Name: Platy Coral, Flowerpot Coral
• Family: Poritidae
• Natural Habitat: Found in lagoons, reef slopes, and turbid coastal waters across the Indo-Pacific, including Australia, Indonesia, and the Red Sea.
• Behavior: Semi-aggressive; extends long tentacles that can sting nearby corals.
• Tank Preferences: Requires moderate flow and lighting.
• Ideal Water Parameters:
  • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
  • Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
  • Calcium: 400-450 ppm
  • Magnesium: 1200-1350 ppm
  • Temperature: 24-27°C (75-81°F)
  • Salinity: 1.024 – 1.026 SG
• Care Level: Moderate to Advanced

Origin and Distribution

Platy Coral is commonly found in shallow reef environments throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including Australia, Indonesia, and the Red Sea. It thrives in nutrient-rich waters with moderate water movement.

Colors and Markings

This coral species is available in various colors, including green, red, pink, purple, yellow, and even metallic shades. It features long, flower-like polyps that sway with water movement, giving it a mesmerizing, flowing appearance.

Tankmates

• Best Companions: Peaceful LPS and soft corals, such as Duncan Coral, Frogspawn, Hammer Coral, and Zoanthids.
• Caution: Can extend sweeper tentacles at night, stinging nearby corals. Keep at least 5-10 cm of space from other corals.
• Avoid: Aggressive corals like Torch Coral or fast-growing SPS corals that might overtake its space.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons recommended for a stable environment.
• Water Flow: Moderate; too much flow may prevent polyps from fully extending.
• Lighting: Moderate to high (T5, LED, or metal halide lighting).
• Placement: Place on rockwork or substrate, ensuring polyps have enough space to extend freely.
• Water Quality: Requires stable parameters, especially calcium and alkalinity levels, for skeletal growth.

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Photosynthetic but benefits from supplemental feeding.
• Food Recommendations:
  • Phytoplankton and zooplankton
  • Liquid coral foods (e.g., Reef Roids, Coral Frenzy)
  • Small meaty foods like mysis shrimp or rotifers
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times per week using target feeding for optimal growth.

Propagation and Growth

• Difficulty: Moderate; propagation is challenging due to skeletal structure.
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate, depending on water conditions and feeding regimen.
• Propagation Method: Typically through fragging, though it requires careful handling to avoid damage to the coral’s delicate structure.

Additional Resources

For further reading on reef corals, check out guides on Euphyllia corals (Torch, Hammer, Frogspawn) and soft corals like Zoanthids and Ricordea to create a balanced reef environment.

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