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Goniopora: aka Flowerpot coral
It is a commonly
known fact that the genus of corals called Goniopora
meet an early demise when taken from the ocean and
placed into the tiny synthetic microcosm of a "reef"
aquarium. For years, saltwater hobbyists
have conjectured reasons for their short term survival
of 1 year or less in captivity. The prevailing theory
is that the coral endures a slow decline in health
from an extended period of starvation which eventually
results in its premature death. Although there have
been scattered incidents of captive Goniopora corals
surviving for 2 or more years, it is still not known
exactly why a few can survive while many others perish.
In recent years, there
has been a proliferation of "coral" foods,
namely various phytoplanktons and zooplanktons, into
the saltwater hobby. The availability of these foods,
combined with the advances made in the understanding
of aquarium corals in general, has made it possible,
either directly or indirectly, for this particular
coral to have a better chance of long term survival
in captivity. On the other hand, it is also possible
that the problem of keeping Goniopora may be compound;
therefore, when treating for one potential cause of
death, such as starvation, another may be working
unknowingly and missed.
Goniopora.org is the
consolidation of my ongoing experiments, observations,
and research, into a collective of information that
can act as a helpful resource for Goniopora keepers.
My goal is to set forth an understanding of Goniopora's
seemingly complex behavior and to increase the potential
for its long term survival within the reef aquarium
habitat. The information published here is the result
of studying a variety of specimens including G.
stokesi, and G.
tenuidens species, which are some of the most
common species available to the saltwater hobbyist.
The variation between species of Goniopora dictates
that slightly different attention to the acclimation,
feeding, and maintenance requirements may be necessary.
As this site develops, I will add more species to
the study and perform side by side comparisons. Please
use the links to the left and at the top of the page
for navigating through this site.
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