How do I tell the difference between Alveopora and Goniopora?

The most reliable method is counting the tentacles around the edge of a single polyp. Alveopora always has 12 tentacles, while Goniopora has 24.

Why is my Alveopora not extending its polyps?

Polyp retraction is usually caused by excessive water flow, incorrect lighting, unstable water chemistry, or irritation from a tankmate (like a nipping fish or a clownfish trying to host). Ensure flow is gentle and parameters are stable.

Does Alveopora need to be fed?

While they can survive solely on light through photosynthesis, offering micro-foods like phytoplankton or coral snow 1-2 times a week will dramatically improve their health, growth rate, and polyp extension.

Can I keep Alveopora in a nano tank?

Yes, Alveopora is an excellent candidate for nano reefs due to its slow growth and peaceful nature, provided you can maintain strictly stable water parameters, which can be challenging in small volumes.

What flow is best for Alveopora?

They require low to moderate, indirect flow. The polyps should sway gently in the current; if they are being bent violently or pressed against their skeleton, the flow is too strong and will cause tissue damage.

MarineCoralsIntermediate

Alveopora

Alveopora spp.

Alveopora is a striking Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral featuring beautiful daisy-like polyps, often considered a hardier alternative to the closely related Goniopora.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 27 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 8 – 11 dGH
Salinity: 1.024 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 5 – 30 cm
Min. volume: 50 litres+
Lifespan: 5 – 20 years
Diet: Primarily photosynthetic via symbiotic zooxanthellae; benefits from coral snow, phytoplankton, and small particulate coral foods.
Water flow: Low to moderate, alternating flow.
Preferred setup: Mature reef aquarium with stable water parameters and established biological filtration.

About the Alveopora

Belonging to the family Acroporidae, Alveopora species are highly sought after by reef aquarists for their mesmerising movement and floral appearance. They possess long, fleshy polyps that extend from a porous calcareous skeleton, creating the illusion of a field of daisies swaying in the water. Unlike its notoriously challenging cousin, Goniopora, Alveopora is generally more forgiving in the home aquarium and boasts a significantly higher survival rate. This makes it an excellent choice for intermediate keepers wanting a dramatic, waving centrepiece.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Alveopora comes from

Native range

Indo-Pacific, Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef

Countries / regions

Australia, Indonesia, Fiji, Philippines

Habitat

Shallow reef environments, typically found on upper reef slopes and lagoons in somewhat turbid waters with gentle flow.

Widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific, often imported from aquaculture facilities in Indonesia and Australia.

Similar species

Goniopora
Goniopora spp.
Duncan Coral
Duncanopsammia axifuga
Torch Coral
Euphyllia glabrescens

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
May attempt to host in the coral; while possible, vigorous rubbing can irritate the Alveopora and cause it to retract permanently.
Compatible with caution
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Centropyge bispinosa
Dwarf angelfish are notorious for occasionally nipping at fleshy LPS coral polyps.
Compatible with caution
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Chaetodon lunula
Corallivorous species that will actively consume the polyps of Alveopora.
Not recommended
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
Completely reef-safe herbivore that will ignore the coral while keeping surrounding algae in check.
Great
Trochus Snails
Trochus spp.
Excellent algae grazers that are careful around delicate corals and will not damage the polyps.
Great

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