Coral Sea Moon Hard Coral Gonlastrea Sp

Coral Sea Moon Hard Coral (Goniastrea sp.)

(Also known as Moon Coral, Brain Moon Coral, or Honeycomb Coral)

Overview

The Coral Sea Moon Coral (Goniastrea sp.) is a beautiful and durable large-polyp stony (LPS) coral, admired for its distinctive polygonal corallite structure that forms intricate, honeycomb-like patterns across rounded or encrusting colonies. Colours range from vivid green and brown to metallic teal, gold, or bicolour morphs, often with glowing mouths under blue or actinic lighting. This coral’s dense skeletal structure and moderate care requirements make it a popular and reliable addition to both LPS and mixed reef aquariums.

Origin

Native to the Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Tonga, and Indonesia. Commonly found on shallow to mid-depth reef slopes and lagoonal reef flats, where it is exposed to moderate water movement and bright sunlight.

Feeding

The Moon Coral is photosynthetic, containing symbiotic zooxanthellae that meet most of its nutritional needs. Nonetheless, supplemental feeding helps maintain vibrant colour and encourage growth. Feed 1–2 times per weekwith:

• Finely chopped meaty foods (mysis, brine shrimp, krill)
• Marine snow or zooplankton blends
• LPS coral micro foods or powdered plankton

Feed at night or when the coral’s feeding tentacles are visible.

Lighting

Moderate to high lighting.Goniastrea thrives under full-spectrum illumination from LED, T5, or metal halidesystems.

• PAR range: 100–250 ¬µmol/m¬≤/s
• Gradually acclimate to higher light levels to prevent bleaching.
• Blue and actinic lighting enhance its fluorescent mouth and ridge colours.

Water Flow

Moderate, indirect flow. Provide enough movement to keep detritus from settling while allowing polyps to expand comfortably. Avoid strong, direct currents that can cause tissue damage.

Placement

• Position in the lower to middle regions of the aquarium.
• Place on flat or gently sloping rockwork or sandy substrate, ensuring stable contact.
• Allow 7–10 cm (3–4 inches) of spacing from other corals, as Goniastrea can extend short sweeper tentacles at night.

Tank Mates

Reef safe with caution. Compatible with:

• All reef-safe fish (clownfish, tangs, gobies, blennies, etc.)
• Peaceful invertebrates (snails, shrimp, hermits, etc.)
• Other LPS and soft corals placed at a safe distance

Avoid:

• Aggressive corals (e.g., Galaxea, Euphyllia, Hydnophora)
• Large angelfish or butterflyfish that may nip at coral tissue

Aggression

Moderately aggressive.Goniastrea can deploy short sweeper tentacles and allelopathic chemicals to defend its territory. Maintain adequate spacing to prevent coral warfare.

Experience Level

Beginner to intermediate. Hardy and adaptable, the Coral Sea Moon Coral is tolerant of a range of conditions provided water quality is stable. A great coral for aquarists expanding their LPS collections.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
• Hardness (dKH): 8–12
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
• Nitrate: <10 ppm
• Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons (280L) for stability and room to grow

Consistent alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium levels are vital for proper skeletal development and vibrant colour retention.

Reef Compatibility

Fully reef safe. The Coral Sea Moon Coral is a durable, eye-catching coral ideal for both beginner and experienced reef keepers. Its compact, patterned colonies provide texture and colour variation in reef displays while remaining peaceful and easy to maintain with proper spacing and lighting.