Pink Flowerpot Coral
Common Name: Pink Flowerpot Coral
Scientific Name: Goniopora sp.
Coral Type: LPS – Large Polyp Stony Coral
Care Level: Intermediate
Lighting: Moderate
Flow: Moderate
Placement: Lower to Mid Aquarium
Reef Safe: Yes – allow space from neighbouring corals
The Pink Flowerpot Coral is a beautiful Goniopora coral known for its long, flowing polyps and soft pink colouration.
When fully extended, each polyp resembles a tiny flower, creating constant movement through the aquarium and giving this coral its familiar Flowerpot Coral name.
Pink Goniopora can make an impressive feature coral in a reef aquarium, particularly when placed where its polyps have plenty of room to extend naturally.
Aquarium Care
Pink Flowerpot Coral is best suited to a mature, stable reef aquarium with consistent water parameters.
It generally prefers moderate lighting and moderate, indirect water flow. The goal is enough flow to gently move the polyps and keep detritus from settling without blasting the coral directly.
Avoid placing it in areas of harsh, turbulent flow, as this can prevent full polyp extension.
Placement
Place the coral in the lower to middle areas of the aquarium, adjusting its position depending on the strength of your lighting.
Allow plenty of room around the coral. Fully extended Goniopora polyps can reach well beyond the skeleton and may sting or irritate neighbouring corals.
Feeding
Although Flowerpot Corals receive energy from photosynthesis, they can also benefit from regular feeding.
Suitable foods include:
-
Fine powdered coral foods
-
Zooplankton-based foods
-
Small suspended coral foods
-
Amino acid and coral nutrition supplements
Feeding small amounts regularly can help support healthy growth and strong polyp extension.
Water Parameters
For best results, maintain stable reef conditions including:
-
Temperature: 24–26°C
-
Salinity: 1.024–1.026
-
Alkalinity: Approx. 7–9 dKH
-
Calcium: Approx. 400–450 ppm
-
Magnesium: Approx. 1250–1400 ppm
Stable nutrient levels and consistent water chemistry are particularly important with Goniopora.
Why We Like Them
The Pink Flowerpot Coral combines soft colour with incredible movement, making it an excellent choice for adding life and texture to a reef display.
When healthy and fully extended, the mass of flowing pink polyps can become one of the most eye-catching areas of the aquarium.
It's a particularly good option for reef keepers wanting something with more movement than a typical encrusting or plating coral.
