Green Star Polyps
Pachyclavularia violacea
Also known as GSP, Star Polyps, Briareum, Daisy Polyps
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–81°F (24–27°C)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 7.9 in (20 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 11 gal (40 L)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Breeding
- Easy
- Rarity
- Very common
- Reef safe
- Reef safe
- Origin
- Indo-Pacific reefs
- Family
- Briareidae
Overview
A sessile encrusting octocoral that spreads rapidly across any hard surface. It has no strong stinging tentacles and will not chemically harm neighbors, but its aggressive overgrowth means it competes purely by encrusting over slower corals, so physical isolation on its own rock is the standard control.
In the wild
Green star polyps form a purple encrusting mat that sprouts bright green feathery polyps, extending or shortening with the light. GSP is highly adaptable and tolerates low to high light, staying compact under bright light and stretching under dim light, with the green fluorescing hardest under blue actinics. It prefers moderate to strong flow to stay clean and grows fast, so it is safest on an isolated rock separated from the main aquascape.
Good to know
Green star polyps are an octocoral, with each polyp carrying eight feathery tentacles, and the genus Pachyclavularia is often treated as synonymous with Briareum. Polyps retract into a shared purple mat called a stolon when disturbed. It grows by encrusting outward over any hard surface, including live rock, glass and the bases of other corals, which is why it is considered one of the fastest and most invasive spreaders among soft corals.
Did you know
Green star polyps spread so relentlessly that many reefers keep them only on a detached island rock, since once GSP creeps onto the main aquascape it is nearly impossible to fully remove without pulling the rock.
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Keeping Green Star Polyps?
Track water tests, reminders and stocking fit.
Related species
Encrusting Star Polyps
Briareum7.9 in (20 cm)11 gal (40 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)
Alveopora Coral
Alveopora7.9 in (20 cm)11 gal (40 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)
Duncan Coral
Duncanopsammia axifuga7.9 in (20 cm)11 gal (40 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)
Montipora Digitata (Finger Coral)
Montipora digitata7.9 in (20 cm)20 gal (75 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)
Montipora Plating (Cap Coral)
Montipora capricornis7.9 in (20 cm)20 gal (75 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)
Pulsing Xenia
Xenia elongata7.9 in (20 cm)11 gal (40 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)