Lesser Star Coral
Goniastrea edwardsi
A slow-growing reef builder that quietly becomes the largest thing in the tank.
About
Lesser Star Coral (Goniastrea edwardsi) is a reef-building species found across the Indo-West Pacific, where it forms large massive colonies in shallow subtidal reef environments down to around 40 metres. In the wild, mature colonies are commonly hemispherical or columnar and can exceed a metre in diameter, making this a genuinely imposing coral in nature. Though aquarium specimens are of course much smaller. The corallites have a gently angular structure with thick, rounded walls, and the septa vary in length as they taper inward toward small columellae, with prominent, chunky paliform lobes giving the surface a characteristic texture. Coloration tends toward uniform cream or brown tones, sometimes with warm orange centers that give the colony a bit of contrast. In the aquarium, Lesser Star Coral sits comfortably in the intermediate category. It is not the most demanding large-polyp stony coral you can keep, but it does need stable water quality and consistent care to grow and look its best. Moderate lighting and moderate flow suit it well, and like all stony corals it rewards patience over quick results. If you are looking to keep a representative reef-builder with a strong natural presence, this is a solid choice for a hobbyist ready to move past the basics.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Lesser Star Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What water parameters does the Lesser Star Coral need?
- The Lesser Star Coral does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Lesser Star Coral reef safe?
- The Lesser Star Coral is generally considered reef safe.