Can anyone ID this coral for me?

[Avi1]

I don't often buy corals without knowing what they are and knowing whether I can provide them with what they need but I saw this one in a fish store and I was wondering what it is...I'm itching to buy it. THANKS

 

[Anonymous]

Looks like a starburst/star polyp or a close relative.

 

[John_Brandt]

Yes, it's an encrusting soft coral commonly known as "star polyps". This one would have been identified previously as Pachyclavularia, but is now known as Briareum.

 

[Anonymous]

I have one that is about the same morphology, but a lot greener in color. It grows like a weed! You've been warned.

 

[Avi1]

Well, I bought it...Thanks for the warning...I have my machete ready. Just for the record though, the polyps on this one each have a thin, crusty like neck that's a rosey red color. It's a little too dark to tell in the pic, and the necks and the stars are a nice pink color, not too different than you can see in the photo.

 

[Anonymous]

Am I the only one who thinks that looks like Tubiopora musica?

 

[Anonymous]

Here is a shot of what the green guys look like. It was about 1/2 as thick when I got it, about 2 months ago. I've seen pics of these things under intense lights where the green fronds literally get so thick they point up toward the lights like grass.

 

[nice1bruva]

looks like green star polyps to me.

 

[Avi1]

Here's a pic that shows more precise detail...

 

[Anonymous]

Here's a blow up, with even more detail. You'll note that the macromolecular structure of the filter fronds is visible.
:wink:

 

[Anonymous]

I doubt we're seeing macromolecules there, but good shot

That second new shot confirmed to me that it was star polyps, not Tubiopora. Thanks!

 

[John_Brandt]

Does anyone else see Jesus in this photo?

 

[Anonymous]

That's just my reflection John.

Matt! Duh, of course I was kidding with the macromolecule line!

The poster put up a pic, so I put up a couple of close ones, then he put up an even closer one, so I was just joking about the macromolecules. Jeez.

 

[John_Brandt]

That's just my reflection John. Jeez.

No really, I see Jeez. He's riding in a yellow Zodiac inflatable.

 

[Anonymous]

Is he leaning to our left?

 

[ricky1414]

I see him almost in the middle. 8O :wink:

 

[Avi1]

So, let's review...There's no Jesus in the pic, and I have "star polyps," which are scientifically known as Briareum. The coral is doing better in my tank already than it was in the fish store, so I'm happy for that. I'm also grateful for your help in figuring out what it is.

 

[Anonymous]

Does anyone see Aragorn in ricky's picture?