Description
Daisy Hard Coral (Alveopora sp.)
(Also known as Daisy Coral, Flowerpot Coral, or Twelve-Tentacle Coral)
Overview
The Daisy Coral (Alveopora sp.) is a graceful and delicate large-polyp stony (LPS) coral, prized for its flower-like polyps that extend gracefully from a porous, stony skeleton. Each polyp features 12 dainty tentacles tipped with small round knobs, resembling a daisy in bloom — hence its common name. Colours vary from soft green, tan, and cream to vivid mint, purple, or metallic hues, often glowing beautifully under blue or actinic lighting. Closely related to Goniopora, Alveopora is hardier and easier to care for, making it a popular choice for aquarists seeking movement and elegance in their reef aquariums.
Origin
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Tonga, and Indonesia. Commonly found in lagoonal reef slopes and protected coastal reefs, where light is moderate and currents are gentle.
Feeding
The Daisy Coral is photosynthetic, hosting zooxanthellae that provide much of its nutrition. However, supplemental feeding encourages fuller polyp extension, better colouration, and faster growth. Offer 1–2 feedings per week of:
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Phytoplankton and microplankton
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Marine snow or powdered coral foods
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Finely chopped meaty foods (e.g., rotifers or enriched brine shrimp)
Target feeding near the extended polyps helps ensure effective capture and consumption.
Lighting
Moderate lighting. Alveopora thrives under full-spectrum LED, T5, or metal halide lighting with balanced intensity.
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PAR range: 100–200 µmol/m²/s
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Too much light can cause retraction or bleaching.
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Blue-spectrum lighting enhances its natural fluorescence and visual depth.
Water Flow
Low to moderate, indirect flow. Gentle, variable water movement allows the polyps to sway naturally without damaging their delicate tentacles. Strong, direct current can cause retraction or tissue damage.
Placement
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Position in the mid to lower regions of the aquarium.
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Place on flat rockwork or sandy substrate, ensuring the base is stable.
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Allow 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) of space from other corals to prevent aggression or irritation.
Tank Mates
Peaceful and reef safe. Compatible with:
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All reef-safe fish (clownfish, tangs, gobies, wrasses, etc.)
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Shrimp, snails, and hermit crabs
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Other peaceful LPS and soft corals
Avoid:
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Aggressive stinging corals (e.g., Euphyllia, Galaxea, Hydnophora)
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Large angelfish or butterflyfish that may nip at extended polyps
Aggression
Peaceful. Alveopora does not have long sweeper tentacles and rarely initiates aggression. However, it can be damaged by neighbouring corals with strong stings, so maintain good spacing.
Experience Level
Beginner to intermediate. Alveopora is hardy and forgiving compared to similar species such as Goniopora, making it an excellent coral for aquarists wanting a flowing, flower-like LPS coral without the difficulty of true flowerpot corals.
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
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Hardness (dKH): 8–12
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Calcium: 400–450 ppm
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Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
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Nitrate: <10 ppm
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Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons (280L) for stable water quality and flow
Regular water changes and stable alkalinity are essential to maintain polyp health and long-term vibrancy.
Reef Compatibility
Fully reef safe. The Daisy Coral adds elegance and motion to mixed reef systems, especially when placed in gently lit, lower-flow areas. Its delicate, flower-like polyps create a soft, natural movement that contrasts beautifully against rigid stony corals and branching SPS species.
