Goniophytes?

[77railer]

My wife and I recently acquired a Goniopora and noticed yesterday that there are three round *bumps* on it that look like raised gooseeggs. After looking online we figure that it means the Goni is going to drop some offspring.

How long does this process take place...from the time it develops to the time it drops are we talking days...month? Any information is greatly appreciated...

Lee & Linda

 

[John Kelly]

Goniopora is a hard coral (with skeleton).

Small Goniophytes can drop quickly (hours or a few days) if the coral is heavily stressed in some manner. If the coral is slowly dying over a period of months (from starvation/bleaching), the buds will drop off prematurely. Normally, if the mother colony remains in good health, the Goniophytes will develop for anywhere between 1 and 2 years before they drop. The buds that develop down lower on the sides of the coral will grow for about 9 months or a year before they drop. The buds that develop on top will grow for up to 2 years before they drop.

 

[77railer]

Thanks...that gives us something to go by...we will be waiting and watching to see what happens...

Leroy & Linda