Zen Garden Micro Goni

Zen Garden Micro Goni: The Serene Polychromatic Flower Coral

The Zen Garden Micro Goni is an exceptionally rare and highly valued collector strain of Micro Goniopora (Goniopora species with very small, tight polyps), a type of Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral. Commonly known as "Flower Pot Corals," Goniopora species are famous for their long, delicate, daisy-like polyps that sway in the current.

This specific "Zen Garden" strain is revered for its serene, complex, and highly sought-after polychromatic coloration. It typically features a base of deep lavender, pink, or metallic purple that contrasts with bright neon green or yellow oral discs (mouths) and pale, often pastel-colored tips on the tiny polyps. Its tight polyp structure makes it visually distinct from the large-polyp Goniopora.

The Zen Garden Micro Goni grows in a massive, encrusting, or hemispherical morphology. Due to the delicate nature of its polyps and its high reliance on specific trace elements and clean feeding, this coral is designated for the Advanced to Expert hobbyist. It requires a mature, highly stable system to thrive.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is a Mixotroph, meaning it is Photosynthetic but relies heavily on external feeding. Micro Goniopora species require significant nutritional input, as they are not as efficient at photosynthesis as many other corals.
• Feeding: Supplemental target feeding is crucial for long-term survival and health. The micro polyps readily consume very fine particulate matter. Feed 3-5 times per week with highly concentrated, fine foods, such as Goniopora-specific powders, amino acid solutions, rotifers, and ultra-fine cyclops.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe but generally Passive. It does not extend potent sweeper tentacles, but its polyps can extend far. It should be given space, not for aggression, but to prevent other aggressive corals (like Euphyllia or Galaxea) from stinging it. It is also sensitive to rough fish or powerful shrimp that may pick at its polyps.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, and Passive toward other corals. It should be positioned on mid-to-lower rockwork where it receives moderate, indirect light and moderate, gentle, but variable water flow that encourages full polyp extension without causing them to retract or tear.
• Water Requirements: Requires extreme stability and cleanliness. The tank must be mature with very low nutrient levels (Nitrate < 5 ppm, Phosphate < 0.05 ppm). Critical parameters: Alkalinity (dKH 8.0-9.5), Calcium (400-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1250-1350 ppm). Trace elements (especially Iron) are often required. Demands Moderate PAR lighting (100-200 PAR).

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Goniopora sp. (Micro Polyp Strain)
• Primary Common Name: Zen Garden Micro Goni
• Other Common Names: Micro Flower Pot Coral, Polychromatic Goniopora
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can grow into large, dome-shaped colonies (8+ inches)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Passive, but sensitive to aggression)
• Diet: Photosynthetic and Carnivore (Requires frequent, fine-particulate feeding)
• Minimum Tank Size: 40 Gallons (Established, stable reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes, but only with passive tankmates and strict spacing from aggressive corals.
• Care Level: Advanced to Expert