Poison Ivy Galaxea

Poison Ivy Galaxea: The Fiery Red and Green Aggressor

The Poison Ivy Galaxea (Galaxea fascicularis) is a dramatic and highly desirable collector strain of Galaxea coral, a type of Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral. Galaxea, commonly known as "Star Corals," are unique for their dense, prominent corallites and long, flowing tentacles.

This specific strain is named "Poison Ivy" for its intense, high-contrast coloration that echoes the toxic plant: a fiery red or dark maroon base skeleton and oral disc that is sharply contrasted by bright neon green or chartreuse tentacles. The contrast is mesmerizing and makes the coral a fantastic focal point under actinic lighting.

The Poison Ivy Galaxea grows in a massive, encrusting, or hemispherical morphology, with individual corallites remaining distinct. It is considered a Hardy LPS coral, often growing quickly once established. Like all Galaxea, its aggressive nature and requirement for careful placement are the most critical aspects of its care.

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 Poison Ivy 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: Poison Ivy Galaxea
• Other Common Names: Red Base Green Tentacle Galaxea, Poison Ivy 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