merulina

[ecobalance]

times two,these sps really have a cool color to them,and their sweepers are like little perelesent worms

 

[Rod Buehler]

Merulina is a cool coral. Nice pic. I dont think that it can be classified as an "SPS" though .

 

[ecobalance]

Merulina

Noted,we'll just go with stoney coral then.

 

[Scooterman]

I think it is classified as sps.

The Merulina Coral is a small polyp stony (SPS) coral also known as Lettuce, Cabbage, Ridge, or Ruffled Coral. Most aquarists will receive the species M. ampliata that commonly lives in lagoons and other sheltered areas of the reef. Merulina Coral colonies begin life as an encrusting coral. With time, growth, and prevailing conditions, they start to develop the more spectacular structures that have made them famous with reef aquarists everywhere. It is normal to see the intricate skeleton frame through its skin. Fan-like plates are usually the first to form. More plates then form in the center of the fan, creating a ruffled appearance that truly resembles a head of cabbage or lettuce.

 

[Rod Buehler]

We, the hobbyists, are the only people that classify them as SPS, or LPS. . For me, an "SPS" has to have a coralite for the Small Polyp. Merulina has no coralites. Its all a matter of opinion

 

[trido]

IN the hobby, merulina type is a little known debate. It seems to be a cross between LPS and SPS. They have sweepers like and LPS but the polyps are so small they hardly fit into the category.
Here are a couple close ups from my tank This colony is only about 3 inches across in both directions. You can clearly see that each polyp is only 1mm across at best. Like stated above, Its just a cool coral. One of my favorites

 

[ecobalance]

nice shots

I was just about to say exactly that lol good shots and information.What are your thoughts and how would you classify a Hydnophora?

 

[Rod Buehler]

What are your thoughts and how would you classify a Hydnophora?

I call it an LPS. . ... no coralites . I think most others would call it an SPS due to its (most common) branching structure