Australogyra Coral Species.
The
Australogyra Zelli, which bears no known common name, is a truly unique coral among the family Faviidae. Similar in appearance to some corals of the genus
Hydnophora, the Zelli is a
branching coral with velvity tissue. Although these corals are very rarely offered for sale, they are occasionally available. Captive care in a reef tank is demanding, as these corals require very high water quality to be successful.
Bob Fenner>
Australogyra zelli - 01/14/2006
Anyway, can you tell me anything about Australogyra zelli?
<Nothing from personal experience.>
All I've been able to find on the web is that there aren't many colonies in captivity. Some pages say this is because it's a very
rare import, while others say it's difficult to keep.
<Both are accurate.>
I recently saw a colony for sale and was mesmerized by it's uniqueness and beauty. I'd definitely like to give it a try if it's not too ungodly hard to keep.
<Understood. It's not often imported so there's not much info. available on keeping them. It would seem that these should only be attempted by someone with a fair amount of "practice" on coral care and a good eye for "reading" their cues. If that's you, I'd say go for it before it is sold to/killed by a less informed aquarist. Would be a good coral to add to the "readily available" so if you try it, document everything to help others and the hobby in general.>
Thank you for you time, Kevin.
<Sorry I couldn't offer more specifics. - Josh>
This is a rare coral (australogyra zelli). There are not many thriving in captivity. Notice the slime, which is normal 
