Anemone Coral

About

Anemone coral (Goniopora tenella) is one of the less-familiar members of a genus that most reef keepers know for its long-tentacled, flower-like colonies. This particular species keeps a lower profile in more than one sense. Colonies grow as encrusting sheets or flattened, plate-like forms rather than the tall branching or dome shapes associated with other goniopora. The corallites are shallow with thin walls, and the polyps themselves are notably short, lacking the elongated trunks that give related species their anemone-like appearance in the first place. Coloration tends toward earthy tones, browns, greys, and mottled combinations, so this isn't a species that draws attention through vivid pigmentation. In the wild it occupies shallow reef environments, and in the aquarium it appreciates strong lighting and moderate water movement. Because it belongs to a genus with a reputation for being finicky, and because so little research exists on this specific species, it is best suited to keepers who already have some experience maintaining goniopora or other demanding LPS corals. Its rarity means hobbyist knowledge is limited, so patience and careful observation are especially worthwhile here.