Night Walker Galaxea

Night Walker Galaxea: The Deep Blue and Green Stinger

The Night Walker Galaxea (Galaxea fascicularis) is a dramatic and highly sought-after collector strain of Galaxea coral, a type of Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral. Galaxea, commonly known as "Star Corals," are recognized by their dense, distinct corallites and long, flowing tentacles.

This specific strain is named for its deep, intense colors that stand out in the dark, dominated by a deep metallic blue or dark purple base skeleton. This dark base is contrasted by bright neon green or yellowish-green tentacles that extend significantly, especially at night. The high-contrast color scheme makes it a visually stunning addition to a mixed reef.

The Night Walker Galaxea grows in a massive, encrusting, or hemispherical morphology, with individual corallites remaining prominent. It is considered a Hardy LPS coral, often growing quickly once established. However, like all Galaxea, its aggressive nature and need for careful placement are key care considerations.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is a Mixotroph, meaning it is primarily Photosynthetic (deriving most energy from symbiotic algae) but is also a highly capable Carnivore. Its large tentacles actively feed.
• Feeding: Supplemental target feeding is highly beneficial for faster growth and robust polyp extension. The tentacles readily capture food. Feed 2-3 times per week with meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, cyclops, or fine coral foods like Reef Roids and amino acid solutions. Feed in the evening when tentacles are fully extended.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe but is Extremely Aggressive. Galaxea is notorious for being one of the most aggressive LPS corals. It extends long, clear sweeper tentacles (which can reach 6+ inches), especially at night, that deliver a potent sting. It is essential to give the Night Walker Galaxea a large area of clearance (6+ inches) from all neighboring corals.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, but Extremely Aggressive/Territorial toward other corals. It should be positioned on mid-to-lower rockwork where it receives moderate, indirect light and moderate, turbulent water flow to keep the tentacles extended and clean.
• Water Requirements: Requires stable parameters. The tank should be mature with low to moderate nutrient levels (Nitrate 5-10 ppm, Phosphate 0.05-0.1 ppm). Critical parameters: Alkalinity (dKH 8.0-9.5), Calcium (400-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1250-1350 ppm). Demands Moderate PAR lighting (100-250 PAR).

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Galaxea fascicularis (Specific Strain)
• Primary Common Name: Night Walker Galaxea
• Other Common Names: Blue Base Green Tentacle Galaxea, Blue Star Coral
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can grow into large, dense colonies (12+ inches)
• Temperament: Extremely Aggressive (Uses long, potent sweeper tentacles)
• Diet: Photosynthetic and Carnivore (Benefits greatly from target feeding)
• Minimum Tank Size: 40 Gallons (Established reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes, but requires extensive spacing (6+ inches).
• Care Level: Moderate