How can you tell if a coral has been dyed?

[DaktariEd]

I've read recently of a trend toward dying corals different colors. Some apparently do it to get "fun" colors to aquarists, others apparently do it to dupe the aquarist into thinking they are getting some rare new color morph...and getting more $$ for it.

Aside from reading and searching for the various known colors of each coral, which I have found to be extremely difficult (if not impossible), does anyone know of a way to tell by inspection if a coral has been dyed?

Thanks all,

Ed

 

[DaktariEd]

Anyone?

 

[jdeets]

It's true that corals have many color morphs. In fact, color is not part of the classification of corals because of this. Therefore, it would be very difficult to tell if a coral had been dyed, although you might inspect the skeleton on a stony for any traces of dye. That would be a tell-tale sign.

If a coral has been dyed, then it may not do well because the dye will suddenly alter the spectrum of light entering the tissues, which can shock the zooxanthellae and cause the coral to decline and die. IMO the best way to avoid getting a dyed coral would be to do business only with reputable dealers, and let the dealer maintain the coral in his tanks for 2-3 weeks on deposit before taking it home to see how it's going to do.

I'm not aware that dying is that common in corals, however. My understanding is that it is more common with anemones.