Re: Unusual Coral Frag Growth 6/23/10
Hi Bob,
<James>
Didn't really need an ID, just thought this frag was unusual in it's formation. Generally the base and fingers grow proportionately, at least it's been my experience. Thought I send a pic of the parent coral even though it isn't a very good pic. I've also attached the pic of the frag.
Got to get that 60mm macro.
James
<The first is a Seriatopora/Poritid... the second/frag... who knows? B>

Re Coral Placement 5/18/10 - 5/22/10 - 5/25/10
Hi James,
<Sam>
Here are pictures. So besides the fact that you told me they need a fine sand bed and I have crushed coral,
there are a couple more issues that I will address in order of attachment.
Also let me know if it is labeled properly.
One was labeled as a Cynarina. It has quite a bit of skeleton poking out.
When I did try to feed it, it blew up and very little skeleton showed so I am hoping it will make it.
I did not see it eat but it did react.
<Appears to be a Cynarina (Button Coral)>
The next is labeled a Lobophyllia it is red with a green center and the skeleton is poking out all around. No reaction to feeding and I do not see any change in size. But the colors are bright.
<Coral is in too poor a shape to ID, may be a lobo and there are many variations within the species.>
The next was labeled a Wellsophyllia. I think it is a Trachyphyllia.
<The Wellsophyllia Brain Coral is referred to now as a Trachyphyllia radiata coral (Foster And Smith).>
I put it at the top of my rock, about 10 inches from top, on a large half shell. It is about 3 inches when closed and get as big as six inches.
I put some Mysis on it and it enveloped it. Looks very healthy and a nice mix of colors and some green and blue sheen.
The next was labeled Wellsophyllia worm. It is green with some purple highlights which did not show in the picture.
<Mmm, could very well be a Trachyphyllia, can be difficult to ID, very similar to Wellsophyllia. May want to Google/research here, I haven't the time to do so.>
It is about 3 inches when lights are out and about five when open. I did not see any reaction when trying to feed it.
Looks very healthy to me. It is at the bottom but it really has no room there literally between a rock and a hard place.
I got these through EBay and got more than I expected but that is another story.
Thanks,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Sam

coral id 4/13/10
Hi Crew,
I am trying to identify a coral. It looks like this one (the first one)
Cynarina lacrymalis :
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/Pix%20Of%20The%20Day%20Marine/POTD%20SW%20Arch%20
36-40/swpotdarch38.htm
but not quite the same.
<Mmm, may need to be set down on the substrate, actually "mud"...>
Aside from the fact that the center of mine is turquoise, it also has short hair like tentacles all around the outer
perimeter. If you look close at my picture you can see them on the left side. One tentacle per each outer bump. And there are more tentacles on individual bumps (not all bumps) that are not part of the perimeter as well but I do not see any pattern. These tentacles (if that's what they are) are out all the time. The center is about the size of a dime and the overall size about that of a half dollar when the lights are on. When it is expelling stuff the center builds up to a cone shape, if that is any clue. When I got it I thought it was a Blastomussa but ruled it out since this lays very flat like a mushroom.
Thanks,
Sam
<I'd move this specimen... it could be a Flabellum sp., even a type of Lobophyllia... Bob Fenner>

Help with coral ID please 3/29/2010
Hello there!
<Hi>
Got this from a friend that didn't know what it was either. Wish the picture was better but it's a thick red base with tiny green flowers that close when you touch them. Any ideas?
<Yeah... scroll through these files:
http://wetwebmedia.com/stonycoridfaq.htm
and the linked series above>
Thank you for your help and the great site.
Rhonda
<Please use it. Bob Fenner>

Coral ID 3/21/10
Hello Crew,
Hope you are all well!
<... 16 plus megs of pix... No searching... Idiocy>
wonder if you would be able to help me with a coral ID. I bought this beauty a few months ago - it was sold as a Euphyllia, which I think it may very well be...or at least some sort of 'Phyllia'.
It is not, to my eye, a Torch, Hammer, Frogspawn, Duncan, Elegance, or any of the usual 'Phyllia' corals.
<E. glabrescens>
It is most reminiscent to me of a Duncan, with different colouring (almost typical Torch colouring), but its skeleton is more truncated and compact.
It has maybe 20 heads but they do not branch the way that a Duncan/Torch etc do, and the tentacles somehow seem more uniform.
As you can see, my clowns love it, and it loves its position high in the tank under halides, directly in the water flow. Any suggestions happily received!
Thanks and keep up the good work,
Lisa
<Read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/caryoeuph2.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>