Galaxea Coral

Galaxea fascicularis

Animalia›Cnidaria›Anthozoa›Oculinidae

📍 Indo-Pacific Reef Systems

Galaxea is a large-polyp stony coral with star-shaped polyps that extend long sweeper tentacles at night, capable of stinging corals several centimetres away. It is a fast grower under good conditions but requires significant space between it and neighbours.

Size2"

Min Tank50g

peaceful

Zoneall

Tank Mates

Ocellaris Clownfish

Hardy reef fish that avoid sweeper tentacles; compatible with moderate flow and lighting

good

Cleaner Shrimp

Beneficial for tank health; will not damage coral and maintain symbiotic relationship

good

Peppermint Shrimp

Peaceful scavenger that helps maintain water quality without harming coral

good

Nerite Snail

Algae grazer that poses no threat to coral and requires similar water parameters

excellent

Astrea Snail

Effective algae control without predatory behavior toward corals

excellent

Common Diseases

Coral Bleaching

Symptoms

Loss of color, polyps appear white or pale, reduced polyp extension

Treatment

Reduce light intensity temporarily, check water parameters (especially temperature and alkalinity), ensure adequate flow, and maintain stable conditions. Perform partial water changes to improve water quality.

Brown Jelly Disease

Symptoms

Brown slime coating on coral surface, rapid tissue recession, polyp retraction

Treatment

Isolate affected coral if possible, perform 25-50% water change, increase water flow, and remove affected tissue with clean tools. Treat with iodine-based coral dips if condition persists.

Polyp Recession

Symptoms

Polyps fail to extend, gradual tissue loss from base upward, reduced feeding response

Treatment

Check water parameters (calcium, alkalinity, pH), verify lighting adequacy, ensure moderate flow without direct blasting, and reduce feeding frequency. Maintain stable conditions and avoid sudden changes.

Pest Infestation (Nudibranchs/Flatworms)

Symptoms

Visible small organisms on coral, tissue damage, polyp damage despite good conditions

Treatment

Remove visible pests manually with tweezers, dip coral in freshwater or specialized pest treatment, or quarantine coral separately. Maintain excellent water quality to prevent secondary infections.