Goniopora Care Guide: The Flowerpot Coral
Goniopora, often called flowerpot coral, is one of the most eye-catching corals in the hobby. Its long, flowing polyps move in the current like a bouquet. Gonis once had a reputation for being nearly impossible to keep, but aquacultured Goniopora and better reef-keeping methods have made them far more achievable in a stable, mature tank.
Quick care summary
| Care need | Goniopora |
|---|---|
| Care level | Moderate to advanced |
| Lighting | Moderate, about 100 to 250 PAR |
| Flow | Moderate, random |
| Placement | Sand bed to middle rockwork |
| Feeding | Fine particulate foods |
| Aggression | Low to moderate; long polyps can reach neighbors |
Is your tank ready?
Goniopora does best in an established tank, ideally 6 months or older, with stable parameters and detectable nutrients. Aquacultured Gonis adapt to aquarium life much better than wild-collected ones, so they're the best choice for most reefers.
Lighting
Aim for moderate light, roughly 100 to 250 PAR. Too much light can cause the polyps to stay short or retract. Acclimate slowly, starting lower in the tank and moving up over 1 to 2 weeks.
Water flow
Moderate, random flow keeps the polyps moving and clears detritus from the colony. Avoid strong, direct flow, which can keep the polyps from fully extending and damage the tissue.
Placement
Place Goniopora on the sand bed or low to middle rockwork. Their polyps can extend several inches, so give them plenty of room from other corals so they don't sting or get stung.
Feeding
Goniopora have small mouths, so they take fine foods best. Powdered coral foods, phytoplankton and other fine particulate foods once or twice a week can support growth. Broadcast feed near the colony with your pumps turned down. Shop our fish and coral food.
Water parameters
Stability is everything with Goniopora. Keep alkalinity steady between 7 and 11 dKH, calcium at 400 to 450 ppm, and magnesium at 1,250 to 1,400 ppm. Don't strip nutrients to zero; detectable nitrate and phosphate help keep Gonis healthy. See our reef tank water parameters guide.
Warning signs
- Polyps staying short or retracted for days: check light, flow and recent parameter changes.
- Tissue receding from the base: often linked to instability or low nutrients.
- Brown, slimy tissue: can signal brown jelly. Remove affected areas quickly.
For more troubleshooting, read Why Is My Coral Closed Up?
Goniopora's close cousin, Alveopora, has similar care needs. Read our Alveopora Care Guide.
Browse our Goniopora collection.