Galaxea

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Introduction

It is an aggressive coral in the reef aquarium, and therefore, needs adequate space between itself and other corals. Its polyps can extend up to several inches at night and will sting and cause damage to other species of corals that it can reach.

Common Names

Tooth, Star, Crystal, Starburst, Brittle, or Galaxy Coral

Scientific Names

Galaxea astreata

Hardiness

Easy, Medium, Difficult

Flow

Low, Medium, High

Lighting

Galaxea Corals can live in a variety of lighting conditions, ranging from power compacts, VHO, T-5's up to the more intense metal halides. Alter their position in the aquarium depending on the lighting. In an aquarium lit by metal halides, Galaxea Corals should be kept in a mid to low position, and under other lighting they should be kept in a mid to high position. To bring out the most intense coloration of this coral, it's recommended to use metal halide lighting along with moderate waterflow.

<taken from live aquaria>

Placement

Top, middle, varies, or substrate

Feeding

Spot feeding each week (using a turkey baster or other type of targeted feeding device) a few drops of PhytoPlex gives this coral a chance to supplement their food source intake.

Propagation

Just take a bone cutter and break a piece off.

Aggression

The sweeper tentacles of this coral can and will sting other corals.

Availability

Available in most reputable saltwater fish/coral stores. Can be ordered online from multiple web sites. In North Carolina, it seems to be pretty rare. Only seen a few pieces.

Other Issues

Common diseases, predators, or other notes on the coral

This coral will completely loose it's life in parts that are accidentally submerged in substrate within an aquarium. Heads will completely loose their polyps and expose their whitish skeletons beneath.