{"id":3763,"date":"2026-02-17T01:06:49","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T01:06:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/product\/crystal-hard-coral-galaxea-sp\/"},"modified":"2026-02-17T01:06:49","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T01:06:49","slug":"crystal-hard-coral-galaxea-sp","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/?product=crystal-hard-coral-galaxea-sp","title":{"rendered":"Crystal Hard Coral Galaxea Sp"},"content":{"rendered":"

Crystal Hard Coral (Galaxea sp.)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

(Also known as Crystal Galaxy Coral, Starburst Coral, or Tooth Coral)<\/em><\/p>\n

Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Crystal Hard Coral (Galaxea<\/em> sp.) is a striking large-polyp stony (LPS) coral<\/strong> recognised for its dense clusters of small, star-shaped polyps<\/strong> and crystal-like appearance<\/strong>. Each polyp sits atop a pointed skeletal ridge, giving colonies a unique, glittering texture under aquarium lighting. Colours range from vivid green and turquoise to brown, purple, or cream<\/strong>, often glowing intensely under actinic or blue LED light. Fast-growing and hardy, Galaxea<\/em> is a rewarding coral for intermediate reef keepers \u2014 though its long sweeper tentacles<\/strong> demand careful placement.<\/p>\n

Origin<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Distributed widely throughout the Indo-Pacific<\/strong>, including Indonesia, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Found in shallow reef slopes and lagoons<\/strong> with moderate light and strong, alternating current.<\/p>\n

Feeding<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Crystal Hard Coral is photosynthetic<\/strong>, containing zooxanthellae<\/strong> that provide most of its nutritional needs. However, it benefits greatly from supplemental feeding to enhance colour and growth:<\/p>\n

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    Mysis shrimp and finely chopped meaty foods<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Planktonic coral foods or marine snow<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Phytoplankton and microplankton blends<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Feed 1\u20132 times per week<\/strong>, especially at night when tentacles are extended.<\/p>\n

    Lighting<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Moderate to high lighting.<\/strong> Provide bright, full-spectrum light from LED, T5, or metal halide systems<\/strong> to support photosynthesis and vivid coloration.<\/p>\n

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      PAR levels of 150\u2013250 \u00b5mol\/m\u00b2\/s<\/strong> are ideal.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Gradually acclimate to high light to avoid bleaching.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Water Flow<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Moderate, variable flow.<\/strong> Gentle turbulence keeps the polyps clean and extended while delivering food and oxygen. Avoid strong, direct jets that may damage the delicate polyp tissue or cause retraction.<\/p>\n

      Placement<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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        Position in the mid to lower levels<\/strong> of the tank, on rockwork or sandy substrate<\/strong>, where flow passes evenly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Allow at least 15\u201320 cm (6\u20138 inches)<\/strong> of space around the coral \u2014 Galaxea<\/em> extends long, stinging sweeper tentacles (up to 15 cm \/ 6 inches) at night that can damage nearby corals.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Secure colonies firmly to prevent shifting.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Tank Mates<\/strong><\/h3>\n

        Reef safe with caution.<\/strong> Compatible with:<\/p>\n

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        • \n

          All reef-safe fish (clownfish, gobies, tangs, etc.)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Snails, shrimp, and other invertebrates<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          LPS and soft corals placed at a safe distance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Avoid:<\/p>\n

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          • \n

            Aggressive or large-polyped corals within reach of its sweepers (Euphyllia, Acanthastrea, etc.)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            Butterflies, angelfish, and puffers that may nip coral tissue<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Aggression<\/strong><\/h3>\n

            Highly aggressive.<\/strong> Galaxea<\/em> corals possess long, potent sweeper tentacles<\/strong> used for defense and territory. These can sting and kill nearby coral tissue, even from a distance. Always provide generous spacing in mixed reefs.<\/p>\n

            Experience Level<\/strong><\/h3>\n

            Intermediate.<\/strong> Galaxea<\/em> is hardy and adaptable but requires thoughtful placement, consistent water quality, and awareness of its aggression potential. Suitable for aquarists with basic LPS experience.<\/p>\n

            Water Parameters<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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            • \n

              Temperature:<\/strong> 24\u201327\u00b0C (75\u201381\u00b0F)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              pH:<\/strong> 8.1\u20138.4<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              Salinity:<\/strong> 1.024\u20131.026 SG<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              Hardness (dKH):<\/strong> 8\u201312<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Calcium:<\/strong> 400\u2013450 ppm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              Magnesium:<\/strong> 1250\u20131350 ppm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              Nitrate:<\/strong> <10 ppm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Tank Size:<\/strong> Minimum 75 gallons (280L)<\/strong> for stability and spacing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Maintain high water quality and stable alkalinity for steady skeletal growth. Protein skimming and regular water changes help control organics.<\/p>\n

              Reef Compatibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n

              Reef safe with caution.<\/strong> A visually stunning LPS coral for display tanks, but best placed alone or at the edge of rockwork<\/strong> to prevent conflict. Under blue lighting, its polyps glow intensely, making it a favourite for creating dramatic nighttime reef visuals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              Crystal Hard Coral (Galaxea sp.) (Also known as Crystal Galaxy Coral, Starburst Coral, or Tooth Coral) Overview The Crystal Hard Coral (Galaxea sp.) is a striking large-polyp stony (LPS) coral recognised for its dense clusters of small, star-shaped polyps and crystal-like appearance. Each polyp sits atop a pointed skeletal ridge, giving colonies a unique, glittering […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":3762,"template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[74],"product_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-3763","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-hard-corals","8":"first","9":"instock","10":"taxable","11":"shipping-taxable","12":"purchasable","13":"product-type-simple"},"group_of_quantity":0,"min_quantity":0,"max_quantity":"","exclude_order_quantity_value_rules":"no","exclude_category_quantity_rules":"no","combine_variations":"no","exclude_global_add_ons":[],"addons":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/product\/3763","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3762"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3763"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_brand&post=3763"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_cat&post=3763"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_tag&post=3763"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}