Swamp Gas Galaxea

Swamp Gas Galaxea: The Yellow-Green Collector Coral

The Swamp Gas Galaxea (Galaxea fascicularis) is a distinctive and highly fluorescent collector strain of Galaxea coral, a type of Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral. Galaxea, commonly known as "Star Corals," are easily recognized by their dense, distinct corallites and long, defensive tentacles.

This specific strain is named "Swamp Gas" for its unusual, uniform color palette, which typically features a skeleton base and oral disc in a subtle pale yellow, tan, or light brown. This base is dramatically contrasted by intense, bright neon yellow-green or lime-green tentacles. The overall effect is a strong, gaseous fluorescence, especially under actinic (blue) lighting.

The Swamp Gas Galaxea grows in a massive, encrusting, or hemispherical morphology. It is considered a Hardy LPS coral, often growing quickly once established. Like all Galaxea, its aggressive nature requires careful placement to prevent it from damaging nearby corals.

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 Swamp Gas 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: Swamp Gas Galaxea
• Other Common Names: Lime Green Galaxea, Yellow-Green 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