Reeflings

Common name: Lesser star coral

Scientific name: Goniastrea aspera (Verrill, 1865)
Lesser star coral or Brain coral (Goniastrea edwardsi) undersea, Red Sea, Egypt, Sharm El Sheikh, Nabq BayA warty sea star clings to a coral reef in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This tropical region in the Lesser Sunda Islands is known for its high marine biodiversity.
Colonies of the corals (Goniastrea) at coral reef in Red sea
Ein Blauer, Lilafarbene Schwamm und eine Musche hinter der sich ein kleiner Seestern versteckt im Meerwasseraquarium.
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General information

Goniastrea aspera, commonly known as Rough Star Coral, is a species of stony coral that is appreciated by reefkeepers for its hardiness and unique appearance. This coral is characterized by its bumpy surface texture and the star-like pattern of its corallites, which are the skeletal cup structures that house the coral's polyps.

Details

Lighting
50 to 150 PAR
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Care level
Moderate to easy Tolerant to various conditions.
Flow
Moderate Prefers indirect flow.
Aggression
Peaceful

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Cnidarians
    Cnidaria
  3. Class
    Corals
    Anthozoa
  4. Order
    Stony Corals
    Scleractinia
  5. Family
    Brain Corals
    Faviidae
  6. Genus
    Goniastrea
    Goniastrea
  7. Species
    Lesser star coral
    Goniastrea aspera (Verrill, 1865)

Care

Rough Star Coral is considered a good choice for intermediate to advanced aquarists due to its moderate care requirements. It thrives in stable water conditions with moderate to high lighting and moderate water flow. It is important to maintain consistent levels of calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium to support its skeletal growth.

Feeding is not strictly necessary as Goniastrea aspera benefits from the photosynthetic activity of its symbiotic zooxanthellae. However, occasional feeding with microplankton or finely minced seafood can promote faster growth and more vibrant coloration.

Symbiosis

Like many stony corals, Goniastrea aspera harbors symbiotic algae known as zooxanthellae within its tissues. These algae perform photosynthesis, providing the coral with essential nutrients while benefiting from the coral's waste products in a mutualistic relationship.

Habitat

The natural habitat of Goniastrea aspera is the reef slopes and lagoons of the Indo-Pacific region. It is often found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 20 meters, where it forms part of the diverse coral reef ecosystem.