Purple Goniopora
Purple Goniopora
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Description
Description
Purple Goniopora Coral
The Purple Goniopora is a graceful and eye-catching LPS coral prized for its long, flowing polyps and rich purple colouration. When fully extended, hundreds of delicate tentacles sway gently in the current, creating constant movement and a soft, natural look that contrasts beautifully with rigid SPS and fleshy LPS corals.
Modern reef systems have made Goniopora far more achievable than in years past, and when provided with stable conditions and appropriate care, Purple Goniopora can thrive and become a long-term centrepiece coral.
Natural Habitat & Distribution
Goniopora corals originate from the Indo-Pacific region and are commonly found across:
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Indonesia
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Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
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Fiji and Tonga
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Papua New Guinea
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Wider Central and Western Pacific reef systems
In the wild, Goniopora inhabit lagoon environments and protected reef zones with moderate lighting, gentle flow, and nutrient-rich water.
A Brief History
Once considered difficult to keep, Goniopora earned a reputation for poor survival in early reef systems. Advances in lighting, flow control, trace element supplementation, and feeding practices have dramatically improved long-term success.
Today, healthy, well-acclimated specimens — particularly richly coloured varieties like purple morphs — are increasingly popular in both mixed and LPS-dominant reef aquariums.
Appearance & Growth
Classified as an LPS (Large Polyp Stony) coral, Goniopora are recognised for their extended polyp structure.
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Rich purple tentacles and oral discs
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Long, flowing polyps with constant movement
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Subtle to strong fluorescence under blue lighting
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Creates a soft, waving “field” effect when open
Growth is moderate, with gradual skeletal expansion and increased polyp density over time.
Placement & Lighting
Goniopora prefer moderate lighting and benefit from thoughtful placement.
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Lighting: Medium
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Best placed in the lower to mid areas of the aquarium
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Too much light may cause retraction; too little may reduce extension
Light acclimation is recommended.
Flow Requirements
Provide moderate, indirect flow.
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Enough movement to keep polyps gently swaying
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Avoid strong or direct flow which can prevent full extension
Random, alternating flow patterns work best.
Water Chemistry
Stable parameters are critical for Goniopora success.
Maintain consistent levels of:
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Alkalinity
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Calcium
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Magnesium
Goniopora also benefit from stable nutrients and trace elements (such as iodine and iron) and do not thrive in ultra-low nutrient systems.
Feeding
Goniopora benefit from regular supplemental feeding.
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Fine powdered coral foods
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Phytoplankton and micro-plankton blends
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Small particulate foods
Feed lightly but consistently 2–3 times per week to support long-term health.
Temperament & Spacing
Goniopora are generally peaceful but require space for full polyp extension.
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Allow room around the coral to expand fully
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Avoid placement near aggressive or stinging corals
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Ensure polyps are not contacting rockwork
Frag Size & Natural Variation
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Frag size: Typically multi-polyp frag (unless otherwise stated)
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Colour intensity and extension will vary depending on lighting, nutrients, and tank conditions.
Care Summary
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Care Level: Moderate
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Flow: Medium
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Lighting: Medium
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Temperament: Peaceful
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WYSIWYG
Every featured frag is photographed individually, so the coral you see is exactly the one you’ll receive. No stock images, no substitutions — just honest, WYSIWYG frags grown and cared for in our systems.