Green star polyps (Briareum violaceum) care guide

Group
Corals
Other names
GSP, Pachyclavularia violacea, Pachyclavularia, Star polyps
Family
Briareidae
Origin
Indo-Pacific; shallow reefs
Water
saltwater
Temperature
24–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
beginner
Reef safe
with_caution
Lighting
Moderate; about PAR 50–150 (Top Shelf Aquatics)
Flow
Moderate to strong, random

Care

An encrusting soft coral that forms a purple rubbery mat with bright green star-shaped polyps that sway in the current. It is one of the hardiest and fastest-spreading corals in the hobby. Naming: it is traded as Pachyclavularia violacea, but the accepted name is Briareum violaceum. Placement: low to middle of the tank, ideally on its own rock in the sand (a "rock island") so it cannot creep over the rest of the rockwork. Top Shelf also suggests the back glass, from which it can be scraped back. Light and flow: moderate light and moderate to strong, changing flow, which keeps the mat free of debris. Water: hardy but dislikes sudden shifts in salinity and alkalinity. Closed polyps often mean debris, film algae, low flow or a parameter swing. Growth: fast. LiveAquaria did not have a product page for it at the time of checking. Sources: Top Shelf Aquatics (topshelfaquatics.com/pages/corals/green-star-polyps-coral). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Mostly photosynthetic; no target feeding needed. Fine particulate foods or phytoplankton during low flow can help growth.

Breeding

Very easy: trim the advancing edge with a sharp blade and peel the mat back, then place the strip on rubble and hold it with a rubber band. A plastic card helps lift a clean edge off glass.

Compatibility and tank mates

No sting to speak of, but it spreads quickly and smothers neighbouring corals. Top Shelf suggests 8–15 cm of clearance. Strongly stinging corals can sting it.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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