Red Goniopora are sometimes confused with Alveopora and even share many of the same common names, such as Flowerpot or Daisy coral.  Despite their similar appearance, there are some important differences between the two.  While both sprout long tentacles from a stony skeleton, Goniopora are generally available in more vibrant colours including red, pink and rainbow.  However, the tradeoff is that they are not 100% photosynthetic and require supplemental feeding in order to survive long term. We succesfully keep goniopora here in the store by feeding them reef roids, a food that was first specially designed specifically for this exact coral !

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Red Goniopora are found extensively throughout the Indo-Pacific region and many of the more popular colour morphs are also available as aquacultured specimens.  It is found in a wide variety of habitats including reef slopes and lagoons at depths of up to 30 meters.  In a home aquarium they can be placed anywhere other than areas of extremely high light and flow.  Generally, they are placed securely on the rockwork but they can also be placed on the sandbed if they are attached to a frag disc.

Red Goniopora do best in low light and low flow. As a general rule, if the light is too intense the polyps will remain retracted.  Conversely, a coral that appears to be “reaching” towards the light may not be receiving enough light.  Flow should be sufficient to ensure that the coral is kept clean, but not so intense that the polyps are damaged.  The polyps should appear to wave in the water, if they are being blown around then the flow level is too high.

Feeding is one area where Red Goniopora and Alveopora are dramatically different.  While most filter foods designed for filter feeders will work, broadcast feeding Reef Roids once  a week should be sufficient to meet their energy needs.

Red Goniopora are undeniably beautiful and once their feeding can be mastered they are reasonably easy to keep successfully.