Strawberry Banana Goni

About this coral

Strawberry Banana Goni is a shop-named Goniopora, the group of LPS corals known as flowerpot corals for their beautiful flowing polyps. The name refers to this particular variety. Its exact species, colors and origin have not been confirmed, so the care advice below is general guidance for Goniopora. These corals are kept in reef aquariums for their long polyps, which sway in the water when the coral is healthy. Goniopora used to have a reputation as one of the harder corals to keep alive long-term. Some keepers now find their care simpler and closer to that of other LPS corals, as long as light, flow and feeding stay steady.

Features:

• Belongs to Goniopora, the flowerpot coral group of LPS corals with long, flowing polyps
• Photosynthetic: gets energy from symbiotic zooxanthellae living in its tissue
• Also benefits from occasional spot feeding with coral foods
• Does best in moderate, indirect light. Too much light can bleach the tissue, and too little can lead to browning
• When moving it to new lighting, raise the intensity gradually rather than putting it straight under full-strength light
• Polyps should sway gently. Flattened, thrashing or retracted polyps can mean the flow is wrong or the coral is stressed

Specifications:

• Coral group: Goniopora (flowerpot coral), LPS
• Care level: Intermediate to challenging (general Goniopora guidance)
• Lighting: Moderate, indirect
• Water flow: Moderate, random and indirect. Start gentle and increase gradually
• Diet: Photosynthetic, plus occasional spot feeding
• Key stability factor: Stable alkalinity