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Goniopora Stokesi© Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0

Goniopora Stokesi

Goniopora Stokesi is a stony coral in the Gonioporidae family, known for its long, feathery polyps that unfurl like a bouquet of flowers. Rather than cementing itself to the reef, it forms a dome-shaped colony that rests loosely on the sandy substrate, giving it a distinctive, free-form presence in the aquarium. One of its more unusual traits is that daughter colonies bud directly from the surface of the parent colony, so keepers can watch the coral gradually multiply over time. Because it calls for careful, stable conditions, this species is best suited to experienced reefkeepers.

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About Goniopora Stokesi

Goniopora Stokesi is an advanced-level stony coral in the Gonioporidae family, prized for its flower-like polyps and free-lying, dome-shaped colonies that bud new colonies from their surface.

7 things to know before welcoming a Goniopora Stokesi

  1. 1Advanced Care Difficulty

    Goniopora Stokesi is considered an advanced-level coral, tending to be sensitive to shifts in water quality, lighting, and flow. It's best kept by aquarists who already have coral-keeping experience.

  2. 2Free-Lying, Not Attached

    Unlike many corals, this species doesn't cement itself to rock or substrate — its dome-shaped colony simply rests on the sand. Because it can shift during water flow or maintenance, give some thought to where you place it.

  3. 3Polyps That Bloom Like Flowers

    The coral's biggest appeal is its long polyps, which extend and open like a bouquet of flowers. How fully the polyps extend day to day can also be a useful sign of its overall health and tank conditions.

  4. 4Colonies Reach Tens of Centimeters

    Mature colonies can grow to a diameter ranging from roughly ten to several dozen centimeters. Plan for a tank with enough open space to accommodate this eventual size.

  5. 5New Colonies Bud Naturally

    A distinctive trait of this species is that daughter colonies bud directly from the surface of the parent colony. Watching the colony gradually multiply over time is part of the appeal.

  6. 6Best Placed on Sand

    Rather than being mounted on rockwork, this coral is typically kept resting on the sand bed. Consider nearby corals and water flow direction when choosing its spot.

  7. 7Prepare Your Setup First

    Since this is an advanced-level coral, make sure your water quality, lighting, and flow are stable before bringing one home. Consulting an experienced keeper while you prepare can help.

Frequently asked questions about Goniopora Stokesi

Q.Is this coral suitable for beginners?
A.Goniopora Stokesi is considered an advanced-level coral. It's best to gain some coral-keeping experience with water quality and lighting management before adding this species.
Q.How large does it grow?
A.Colonies typically reach a diameter of roughly ten to several dozen centimeters. It's a good idea to leave extra room in your tank layout for this growth.
Q.Does it need to be attached to rock?
A.No, this species doesn't cement itself to the substrate — its colony rests loosely on the sand. There's no need to glue it to rockwork; keeping it on the sand bed is the standard approach.
Q.Can it multiply over time?
A.Yes, a key trait of this species is that daughter colonies bud from the surface of the parent colony. You can watch the number of colonies gradually increase over time.
Q.Is it regulated under CITES?
A.Goniopora Stokesi is not subject to CITES regulation.

Useful tools for Goniopora Stokesi care

Learn more about Goniopora Stokesi in the encyclopedia

View Goniopora Stokesi encyclopedia entry →

Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.

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