FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Have you seen a red flowerpot coral? A flowerpot coral is a stony coral that belongs to the Anthozoa class. They are the most unique and adorable creatures and look like a bouquet of flowers when their polyps are opened. Flowerpot coral (Goniopora) can also be called a green Goniopora flowerpot coral, sunflower coral, daisy coral, and many more names. They are usually found in lagoons and are also seen in the pet trade. Green flowerpot coral (Goniopora) are very bright corals with a variety of colors. If you wish to get one for your home, then you must arrange for suitable water conditions, metal halides, and phytoplankton substitutes for their food source, and plankton cultures. They need foods that are rich in iron and manganese.
There are many characteristics about the flowerpot coral (Goniopora) that will make you more curious. What are you waiting for? Here are some fun, engaging, and interesting facts on flowerpot coral. Afterwards, do read our other articles on fire coral facts and soft coral facts as well.
Flowerpot coral (Goniopora) is a stony coral that belongs to the Poritidae family. They have numerous daisy-like polyps which are extended to the outside. Flowerpot corals are usually found in lagoons and the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian Ocean. Flowerpot corals sometimes look like a bouquet of flowers and are avid feeders that will die soon if they lack foods that are rich in iron and manganese.
Flowerpot coral is a stony coral that belongs to the Anthozoa class. Flowerpot coral comes under the Scleractinia order of the Poritidae family. Flowerpot coral (Goniopora) belong to the Goniopora genus and have several species.
There is no accurate estimate of the total number of green flowerpot coral species in the world. But as this species has been listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, their population is decreasing.
Flowerpot coral is seen widely around the Indo-West Pacific region and thrives in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian Ocean. Green flowerpot coral can be mostly found in the Indian Ocean, Persian Sea as well as in the parts of Hong Kong, Bali, and the Solomon Islands.
A flowerpot coral usually lives in lagoons, coral reefs, and tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian Ocean. They are also seen on rocky shores. Flowerpot corals are naturally adaptable and are seen freely living on sandy substrate. Flowerpot coral needs lower to strong light and can be kept in tanks as well.
Flowerpot coral mostly lives in colonies rather than alone. The flowerpot coral requires suitable water conditions and moderate water flow to survive.
The lifespan of flowerpot coral is not known and is assumed to be short. It is very difficult to maintain them in captivity for flowerpot corals have peculiar requirements in terms of water flow, tank size, and water movement. They require foods that are rich in manganese and iron.
Flowerpot corals can reproduce sexually and asexually. In sexual reproduction, flowerpot coral produces egg and sperm at the same time and sexual reproduction usually occurs in the wild. In asexual reproduction, daughter cells grow through a process of fragging.
Flowerpot corals have been listed as a Near Threatened species in the IUCN Red List as their population has been decreasing in the wild.
Flowerpot corals or Goniopora is a stony coral species that is beautiful and unique in appearance. They are also known as sunflower coral, ball coral, daisy coral, or yoo stone coral. These corals grow in thick columns. The colony’s base is rounded and extended down. They have hard stony skeletons and their polyps have six tentacles or more.
Flowerpot corals are beautiful and unique and attractive in appearance with their long tentacles. They look like a bunch of flowers when they open all their polyps.
Flowerpot coral or Goniopora communicate with each other in a complex way. They use chemical signals or smells for communication. Flowerpot corals have a symbiotic relationship with marine algae, zooxanthellae, which will provide them with nutrients.
Flowerpot coral or Goniopora is a small stony coral and has a length of 5.5 in (13.9 cm) with tentacles measuring up to 12 in (30 cm). The growth rate for bigger corals is around 0.8 in (2 cm) per year but branching corals can grow up to 4 in (10 cm) per year.
Flowerpot coral or Goniopora move very slowly and their exact speed has not been documented yet.
Flowerpot corals can weigh up to 4 oz (113 g).
As flowerpot coral is a stony coral, it belongs to the Goniopora genus. A male and female flowerpot coral do not have any specific name.
A baby flowerpot coral is called a planula.
Flowerpot corals are carnivores. They feed on phytoplankton and brine shrimps. Flowerpot coral has a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, marine algae through which it gets a lot of nutrients. They require iron, manage and calcium abundantly.
The main predator of flowerpot coral is the crown-of-thorns starfish.
Flowerpot corals or Goniopora are known to be poisonous. They contain toxic substances.
Flowerpot corals are kept as pets. It is difficult to keep them alive in captivity as it requires special living conditions and different requirements. It takes around a year or two to grow a coral in your tank.
Flowerpot coral needs calcium and iron supplements in order to maintain its massive skeletal structure.
Goniopora corals catch food particles or planktonic organisms from the water column. They will then absorb the dissolved organic matter and complete their feeding process.
Flowerpot coral is hard to keep. It is very difficult to take care of them. They require a proper combination of light, food supplements, and environment during the aquarium care. They require a moderate water flow along with strong light. There should be enough calcium and carbonate supplements along with iron and manganese for them to stay healthy. They must be placed on a sturdy rock and must have enough space in the aquarium to grow and move their tentacles.
Flowerpot coral or Goniopora are photosynthetic corals that absorb nutrients from light. So it should be kept somewhere where adequate lighting is present. Insufficient light may cause discoloration and can turn them into a brown color. Even inside the tank, proper lighting conditions are required. Metal halide lighting is usually used in the tank.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these brain coral facts and candy cane coral facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable flowerpot coral coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.