Anemone Coral

About

Anemone coral (Goniopora planulata) is one of those corals that earns its common name honestly. When the polyps are fully extended, the colony resembles a cluster of tiny anemones swaying in the current. Found across the Indo-Pacific in shallow reef environments, typically between 2 and 20 meters depth, it grows in a submassive form: compact columns or low mounds rather than the branching or plating structures you see in many other genera. The corallites have notably thin walls, and the septa are irregular, giving the polyps a softer, more fluid appearance than the more rigidly structured stony corals. Coloration tends toward dark grey-brown with distinctively pale, often white mouths at the center of each polyp. Not flashy, but genuinely attractive in a natural, understated way. Care falls squarely in the intermediate range. Goniopora as a genus has a reputation for being finicky in captivity, and this species is no exception. It needs consistent water quality, high lighting, and moderate flow to do well long-term. That said, experienced reef keepers who can maintain stable conditions will find it a rewarding and visually dynamic addition to a mixed reef display.