Daisy Coral Care Guide
Alveopora catalai, the Daisy Coral, is an LPS coral with 12-tentacle flower-like polyps and an easier alternative to Goniopora.
Overview
Alveopora catalai, nicknamed the Daisy Coral, is a large-polyp stony (LPS) coral. Its polyps bear 12 short, rounded tentacles that resemble flower petals, distinguishing the genus from Goniopora, which has 24 longer, wispier tentacles. The fleshy polyps are usually extended day and night.
Taxonomy
- Family: Acroporidae (reclassified from Poritidae)
- Genus: Alveopora (Blainville, 1830)
- Scientific name: Alveopora catalai
- Authority: Wells, 1968
Habitat
The genus is native to the Indo-Pacific and is often found on reef slopes in turbid water. Colonies grow on a very light, porous skeleton and host symbiotic zooxanthellae that supply energy through photosynthesis.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- Salinity: 1.024-1.026 SG
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- dKH (alkalinity): 8-11
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Lighting: medium, around 75-175 PAR; benefits from less intense light
- Flow: low to moderate to protect fleshy polyps
Diet
Alveopora derives energy from photosynthesis but has a weak sting and low nematocyst concentration, so it captures little food from the water column. It benefits from regular feeding of fine foods such as mysis, reef-roids and phytoplankton in a mature tank of at least 6 months.
Compatibility
It is reef-safe, passive and compatible with reef fish and shrimp. Lacking strong stinging tentacles, it should be kept away from more aggressive corals that could overgrow or sting it.