http://dpc.uba.uva.nl/cgi/t/text/get-pdf?c=ctz%3Bidno%3D8002a02 A molecularly based phylogeny reconstruction of mushroom corals (Scleractinia: Fungiidae) with taxonomic consequences and evolutionary implications for life history traits

Encrusting LPS "Lithophyllon" ID       1/17/16 Hi Crew! <Dani!> If you would be so kind, please confirm that this coral at my LFS is actually "kiwi Lithophyllon". They claim it is an encrusting LPS. <Mmm; encrusting or laminating....> From what I researched, it is pretty rare and there is very little info on the internet about caring for it. They have it on the bottom shelf and don't target feed it--don't most healthy LPS readily welcome target feedings? <Mmm; well; IF there's sufficient chemical and particulate foods in the water; target feeding isn't necessary; and can lead to eutrophication> The Lithophyllon I found on your site appears to reference a plate coral? On the net I found some called Lithophyllon undulatum, looks more like that. <Yes; this is the more common species of this genus that I've run across... more so than L. mokai, others> I just want to ensure I am getting what I paid for, moreover I can take care of it properly! Thank you for any advice on its care! Dani :) <Bob Fenner>

Galaxea, and mystery Cnidarian Crew, <SP> I first and foremost would like to thank you for the informative website, and at first I have some good news. I took in a small Galaxea colony that had completely bleached about nine days ago, it was completely transparent except for a few tentacles with had faint green color. Since then here is the color I have seen develop, it also was not exhibiting polyp extension in the old tank. I am frequently surprised at how resilient coral can be. Anyway, nearly a year ago I emailed about a strange species that appeared in my fish tank attached to a Favites colony I purchased. I thought it was likely Euphyllia of some sort, but it has exhibited non-Euphylliid behavior I am fairly certain. It underwent rapid division (started with two separate individuals and now have over 15 all differ in size largest is about 3.5 inches) It had tissue that was attached to the rock, but after the skeleton reaches about an inch in diameter it somehow detaches from the rock (including the skeleton) I know I must sound crazy, but the colony also is growing in diameter, but not especially in height. I have had Euphyllia before, and never seen this kind of growth. I will attach the current picture as well as the original I sent in and if more are needed let me know because Im not sure what this is. In hopes all is well, Bryce <Might be Euphyllia; perhaps acanthocauli... from a Fungiid: Heliofungia.  Bob Fenner>

Re: Galaxea, and mystery Cnidarian Would a picture with retracted tissue, and more skeleton be more helpful? <If it was a close up and well-resolved, yes. BobF>

Leaf Plate Coral? – 6/6/12
Dear crew / Bob,
<Dave>
It has been many years since requesting your help, firstly because I spent time away from the hobby after re-locating from Shanghai to sunny Ohio, and secondly due to the vast on-line archives help which is too often over-looked I am sure.
<Ah yes>
However on this occasion I could not find any reference to the problem; or even definitively identify the coral or issue in question. I presently have a 16 month old 75g with 10g sump partitioned with 4" deep live sand and Chaetomorpha, Aqua Medic T1000 skimmer, (2) rotating bags weekly of ½ cup carbon, main tank has (2) 150w MH 14,000K bulbs, 216w T5 actinic mix, 90lb live rock. Conditions are PH 8.0 to 8.2, Salinity 1.025,  Phosphate <0.1ppm, Nitrate <5ppm, Calcium 395, MeqL 4. I do a 20% water change weekly and have had better than my Shanghai experience success with a healthy tank stocked with mainly LPS corals, (2) healthy clams, Regal and Yellow Tang, (2) Allen's Damsels, (2) Banggai Cardinals, Flame Angel (No clam issues), Orange Stripe Prawn Goby. Now to the issue, I saw
in my LFS just South of Toledo the attached pictured 'thing.' The LFS owner who is actually very knowledgeable and helpful could not confirm what type of coral this was, and stated that even his supplier said that he has only seen this very
occasionally but also could not confirm what the coral actually was. I went home and searched on-line and found only 'similar' comparisons to what it looks like.
The closest match I thought was possibly a Montipora, but even that did not seem to form the same shape or surface structure of the coral in question. So my first question would be to ask if you have seen this type of 'plate coral'
before and if so; could you direct me to the resource information about it?
<Mmm, pretty sure this is a Fungiid of the genus Diaseris: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/fungiidae.htm
Secondly to the issue, I of course purchased the item because am fascinated with the different things we come across within the hobby; and it had been at the LFS for a few weeks with lots of interest but no takers, mainly as it was not
exactly cheap. However, I thought that I would have a decent chance with the set-up I have, i.e. parameter control and lighting. After discussion with the LFS owner we thought that a mid-tank position would be the suitable approach to
take thinking that this would be a light dependent coral, but not necessarily intense lighting requirements. So I acclimated for (2) weeks lower in the tank to start with and then moved it up to a central location. The problem now, and was apparent in the bottom of the tank also before movement, seems to be that the green 'lines' on the coral are coming away from the base skeleton leaving blotchy areas of the structure. Any assistance with the identification and subsequent requirements would be greatly appreciated before I lose the coral completely.
<I'd "kick up" your dosing of iodide/ate and not move these>
As always, thanks for your continuous dedication and support.
Thanks
Dave
Best regards
<And you, Bob Fenner>