Goniopora djiboutiensis Care Guide
Goniopora djiboutiensis is a flowerpot LPS coral forming submassive or columnar colonies with long-stalked polyps; more forgiving than G. stokesi.
Overview
Goniopora djiboutiensis is a colonial stony coral of the family Poritidae, described by Vaughan in 1907. Like all members of the genus it is a flowerpot coral whose daisy-like polyps each carry 24 tentacles. Colonies are submassive or form short thick columns, and may build large single-species stands in turbid water. The coral is pale or dark brown or green; its oral cones are usually white or blue and may photograph as pink. Its polyps have smaller heads and shorter tentacles than some related species.
Taxonomy
- Family: Poritidae
- Order: Scleractinia
- Genus: Goniopora
- Scientific name: Goniopora djiboutiensis
- Authority: Vaughan, 1907
Habitat
The species occurs in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea region and is described as common. It favours turbid-water environments where it can form large single-species stands. Goniopora corals as a group typically inhabit lagoons and turbid water across the Indo-Pacific.
Reef parameters
- Type: LPS (large-polyp stony) coral, polyp-bouquet form
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Alkalinity (KH): 8-11 dKH
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Lighting: 75-175 PAR (medium)
- Flow: low
Feeding
This coral hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae and feeds actively, like the rest of the genus. It is regarded as more approachable than G. stokesi and tolerates somewhat higher nutrient levels. Spot-feeding with mysis, planktonic foods and similar small foods supports its energy needs; flow should be gentle and not aimed directly at the polyps.
Compatibility
The species is reef-safe with fish and shrimp but moderately aggressive toward neighbouring corals, so it requires clear space around the colony. A reasonably mature tank (about six months or older) suits it better than a newly cycled system.