Moon or brain?

[sharps]

I NOW think this is a Favia, moon coral but formally thought it a brain coral. The reason for the knowing the difference is placement in the tank. Luckily this guy has been doing well on the substrate for 2mos, but i know read that moon corals should be placed on rock or hard surfaces. Anyone have a similar looking coral and advice? TIA

 

[returnofsid]

The difference between Favia and Favite corals can be seen in the coralite walls. Corals that share coralite walls are Favites and those with separate coralites are Favia. Yours is a Favia. Most Favia are generically named Moon, Pineapple or Brain Coral. Problem is, most Favites are also generically named Moon, Pineapple or Brain Corals...lol.

Unfortunately, going any further into identification than that is pretty difficult on a live coral.

"Moon or Brain" corals are very common names for both species actually.

 

[Kurt_Nelson]

Agree with returnofsid... the common names are really useless when it comes down to figuring out what to do with it!

I don't think that specific favia will have an issue being on the rocks. I'd also guess it would do fine with low to medium lighting. No need for it to be up high.

Normally, when a coral wants to be on the sand it's due to massive daily polyp expansion. If it was on the rock, the constant rubbing of the tissue on the rock will over time cause recession.

 

[sharps]

Yea thats a little confusing but thanks for the info. So im going to move mine from the substrate and introduce some meaty foods into its diet at night.

 

[gary shandling]

THese corals are incrusting and like hard surfaces. The soft SB can irritate them. Also there poylps may only extend at night or a few times a day so proper feeding which might include target feeding might be needed. Heres more info , GL..

http://www.asira.org/caresheets