Local coral ID

[Krish]

Hi Kevin! I was wondering if you or anyone else here can ID this coral I have in my tank. I harvested it out of the ocean here in the Bahamas in about 5 feet of water (but have seen them deeper) and it seems to be either really enjoying my tank, or looking for something that isn't there(LOL) I got it Sunday and the following day the polyps started to come out and now, up to yesterday. they are fully extended. Here are some pics of it. Thanks in advance for any info anyone may have

This first shot shows it fully retracted after just resting it in the tank.





This shot shows where it is placed in the tank now glued to that rock you see it on. The polyps started coming out about an hour after getting it inplace as you can see in the pic




And these ones were taken today with them fully extended and I noticed today that when I put some coral feeding frenzy in the tank, when the fine particles brush up against it, it wants to appear the polyps grab it, pull it in, and then retract right back out afterwards.

 

[ronj]

it appears to be some species of " star polyp" ( i don't know the scientific name)...it has the purple encrusting base...yep, that's what it is...some people get pissed when you refer to them as a "star polyp"...it a very general term and used very loosly!!!! someone else will know the specific name

 

[Krish]

I've heard that name before, but had no idea what it was. A friend of mine who is also a member here, had a few in his tank and they did well, so I said I'd give them a try. A few people asked me the name of the coral so I said I'd try and find out

 

[ronj]

i have several star polyp rocks in my tank...they encrust the rock..mine didn't start for a whil...now they are coming along at a good rate....i have one that is about 6x6..there is no rock, just the purple mat..it is like 1inch thick...i have heard that you can just peel them off the rocks after they encrust them..this may be where mine came from...also, you can place them by the glass and they will start to encrust the glass and grow across it!!! i will see if i can find a good pic of some

 

[ronj]

here's one...it's ok..i will try to find a better one
http://www.fantasyreef.com/database/index.php?p=getitem&db_id=5&item_id=3

 

[steve-s]

Ron's close. It's similar to a star polyp. It's actually a species of gorgonia, Briareum asbestinum.

Ron, the one you're thinking of is Briareum stechei. Also a gorgonian.

Cheers
Steve

 

[Krish]

Thanks Ron and Steve! The color made me think gorgonian because of the other type of gorgonian I have that's purple, but wasn't too sure. I'll read up on them and see what I can find out Thanks again for the quick responses

 

[ronj]

here's a purple star polyp..it looks similar to yours, but it is not growing on a thin rock like that..i guess mine are different from yours....mine are definately star polyps though...
http://e-quaticsupplies.com/pro438698.html

 

[spongebob lover]

i dont know dood but your coral sure is nice .

 

[ronj]

of course it is.. he got to go dive and find it!!!!!!! LOL

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Not quite star polyps, Gargonia family.
Purple tree or purple corky sea finger. They are common in Caribbean.
Same family as sea fans. Not sure of specific specie

NB Looks like steve already answered it and much better

 

[Krish]

Thanks Mike...

 

[kevinpo]

Hi Kirsh,
Yes it is most likely Bariareum asbestinum commonly called "Corky Sea Fingers". It is very photo adaptive and easy to keep but it about the most toxic of the gorgonians. It produces terpenes like the Sinularia Genus. Also take care when placing it near other corals as it can spread across the rockwork and overtake and encrust over many corals. Run carbon and do frequent water changes to prevent the buildup of terpenes and acetogenins.

Regards,
Kevin