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Golden Jawdropper Acropora
£40.00
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£40.00
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Golden Jawdropper Acropora Coral Frag
The Golden Jawdropper Acropora is a premium designer SPS coral prized for its intense golden-yellow tones, contrasting polyp detail, and refined branching structure. As the name suggests, this coral delivers instant “wow factor,” making it a standout centrepiece in SPS-dominant reef aquariums.
Highly sought after by collectors, the Golden Jawdropper Acropora rewards stable reef systems with exceptional colour retention, strong growth, and unmistakable visual impact.
Natural Habitat & Distribution
Acropora corals are native to the Indo-Pacific region, with natural populations found across:
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The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
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Indonesia
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Fiji and Tonga
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The Philippines
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Central and Western Pacific reef systems
In the wild, Acropora species inhabit shallow reef crests and upper reef slopes, where they receive intense sunlight and strong, turbulent water movement. These conditions shape their preference for bright lighting and high, random flow in captivity.
A Brief History
Acropora has long been considered the gold standard of SPS corals, admired for its complex branching forms and vibrant colour potential. Designer strains like the Golden Jawdropper emerged as reef-keeping advanced, with selective propagation focusing on exceptional colour saturation and growth stability.
Today, the Golden Jawdropper Acropora is regarded as a high-end showpiece coral, often reserved for mature, well-maintained reef systems.
Appearance & Growth
Classified as an SPS (Small Polyp Stony) coral, the Golden Jawdropper Acropora develops a branching, tabling growth form, with thick branches and defined axial tips as it matures.
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Rich golden to yellow colouration
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Contrasting polyp detail
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Strong fluorescence under blue lighting
With stable parameters, growth is steady and highly rewarding.
Placement & Lighting
Golden Jawdropper Acropora performs best under high lighting, closely replicating its natural reef environment.
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Lighting: High
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Best placed in the upper regions of the aquarium
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Insufficient light may cause colour fading
Flow Requirements
Provide strong, random, turbulent flow to support healthy tissue, nutrient exchange, and branch development. Avoid direct laminar blasts aimed at the coral.
Water Chemistry
Acropora corals require exceptionally stable water chemistry. Maintain consistent levels of:
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Calcium
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Alkalinity
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Magnesium
Along with ultra-stable nutrients and balanced trace elements. Regular testing, dosing, and automated systems are strongly recommended.
Feeding
Primarily photosynthetic, Golden Jawdropper Acropora benefits from occasional supplemental feeding, including:
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Fine powdered coral foods
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Amino acids
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Micro-plankton blends
These feeds can help maintain colour saturation and growth when used sparingly.
Temperament & Spacing
Acropora corals are generally peaceful, but require ample spacing to prevent contact and competition with neighbouring SPS as they grow.
Frag Size & Natural Variation
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Frag size: Approximately 1 inch
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Each frag is unique and may vary slightly in colour and branching depending on lighting and tank conditions.
Care Summary
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Care Level: Advanced
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Flow: High
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Lighting: High
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Temperament: Peaceful
🪸 Coral Care Guide
Care Level
Moderate
Lighting
Medium
Water Flow
Moderate, indirect flow.
Placement
Lower to middle areas of the aquarium.
Temperament
Peaceful.
Growth Rate
Moderate, with gradual skeletal growth and increasing polyp density over time.
Frag Size
Typically supplied as a multi-polyp frag unless otherwise stated.
💧 Water Parameters
Purple Goniopora thrive in stable reef aquariums with consistent water chemistry.
Recommended Parameters
- Stable Alkalinity
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Stable Nitrate & Phosphate levels
- Trace elements including iodine and iron are beneficial.
Avoid ultra-low nutrient systems, as Goniopora generally perform best in mature, nutrient-balanced aquariums.
🍤 Feeding & Nutrition
Purple Goniopora benefit from regular supplemental feeding to encourage long-term health, vibrant colour and strong polyp extension.
Recommended Foods
- Fine powdered coral foods
- Phytoplankton
- Micro-plankton blends
- Small particulate coral foods
Feeding Frequency
Feed lightly but consistently 2–3 times per week.
🌊 Placement & Acclimation
Purple Goniopora appreciate thoughtful placement and a gentle introduction to your aquarium.
Placement
- Lower to middle areas of the aquarium.
- Allow plenty of space for full polyp extension.
- Avoid direct contact with aggressive or stinging corals.
- Prevent polyps from rubbing against rockwork.
Lighting
Medium lighting is recommended.
Too much light may cause the coral to retract, while insufficient lighting can reduce extension.
Light acclimation is recommended whenever introducing a new specimen.
Water Flow
Provide moderate, indirect flow that keeps the polyps gently swaying.
Avoid strong, direct flow, which may prevent full extension.
Random, alternating flow patterns generally produce the best results.
🌍 Natural Habitat
Purple Goniopora originate from the Indo-Pacific region and are commonly found throughout:
- Indonesia
- Australia's Great Barrier Reef
- Fiji
- Tonga
- Papua New Guinea
- Central and Western Pacific reef systems
In the wild they inhabit sheltered lagoon environments and protected reef zones with moderate lighting, gentle water movement and nutrient-rich conditions.
Once considered difficult to keep, advances in modern reef keeping—including improved lighting, flow control and nutrition—have made healthy, aquacultured Goniopora far more reliable long-term additions to today's reef aquariums.
⭐ ReefGro Expert Advice
Purple Goniopora is one of our favourite LPS corals thanks to its elegant movement and rich purple colouration.
When fully extended, hundreds of delicate tentacles create constant movement that contrasts beautifully with SPS colonies and other fleshy LPS corals, making it an excellent centrepiece for mixed reef aquariums.
For the best results:
- Introduce the coral slowly using light acclimation.
- Maintain stable water chemistry.
- Feed regularly with fine particulate foods.
- Avoid placing it where neighbouring corals can sting the extended polyps.
- Be patient during acclimation—healthy Goniopora often become more fully extended as they settle into stable conditions.
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