Difference between scolymia & cynaria...ID

[thekingfish]

Is there a characteristic that is helpful in differentiating a scolymia and a cynaria. I was told this is a scolymia which I also thought it looked like.
But then it also could be just a big cynaria maybe.
Any thoughts?

 

[Caesar777]

It's hard to differentiate in real terms as far as the difference between Scolymia and Cynarina... I sort of can just "tell", lol. This one is a Scolymia, which tends to be more wrinkly, textured, while Cynarina (lol I typed "cynaruba" for some reason) is more "bubbly"... Lmao that's the best way I can describe it.

PS, those exposed sclerites, while they have some algae on them, should soon be covered by healthy flesh, since the coral looks quite healthy otherwise. Mouth tightly closed, flesh expanding and showing the characteristic "wrinkly" puffiness... If necessary, use your fingernails to gently scrape off most of the algae if it grows out of control. Not sure whether it's slightly bleached (not too bad at all) or just the camera's contrast or white balance. Is it yours, or one at a store? It's a nice one either way.

Well, there's so much technical taxonomy jargon that I'm sure I've lost everyone by now.

 

[thekingfish]

cynaruba...I like that
I thought it looked like a scolymia but I couldn't really say why, but I see what you're saying about the difference in the skin texture.
Good eye on the color.
Its actually supposed to be more red but it got a little bleached recently.
Its not in my tank yet, I just need to drive way down and pick it up.

 

[Elmo18]

IMO, it can get difficult...but once you know, you can't miss.

Cynarina, during daylight, will look more like a bagel (but without a hole) with slight folds or creases. There is no texture, no rough spots, just sleek.

Scolymia, during daylight, will look like some sort of volcano with a crater in the middle, and the texture of the coral is very rough, not sleek and smooth.

Best,
Ilham