Cobalt blue softy-“SMURF POLYPS”!

[JasonK84]

I originally posted in the SPS forum looking for an ID. It’s been indicated that this may be some “ultra rare” coral. I’m skeptical as I’m sure anyone would be since I picked this up for less than $20.
Anyone here think this might be SMURF POLYPS?!?!?

 

[KingTideCorals]

Not sure what it is, huge softy fan but seemingly may be a dendro... lets se...

@Dr. Dendrostein what do you think?

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

Not sure what it is, huge softy fan but seemingly may be a dendro... lets se...

@Dr. Dendrostein what do you think?

Your guess is as good as mine, if it grows bigger maybe ID easier

 

[TriggerFinger]

Ooo very pretty! Could it be a blue alveopora?

 

[JasonK84]

Ooo very pretty! Could it be a blue alveopora?

I don’t think so. But maybe. The opened up pic is as opened as it was at the LFS. I bought it because of the exceptional blue color. The worker didn’t know what it was but put a price of $18.99 on it. Figured it was at least worth a shot at less than $20.

 

[JasonK84]

Who’s the go to coral ID person everyone goes to for this?

 

[Lizbeli]

Ooo very pretty! Could it be a blue alveopora?

+1

Did you touch it? Is it soft or does it have a skeleton?

 

[JasonK84]

+1

Did you touch it? Is it soft or does it have a skeleton?

I have not touched it. Didn’t want to stress it more before it settles in. The thing with alveopora that I’ve noticed since looking into it today is that they have 12 “petals”. The one I have seams to have 8 best I can tell.

 

[TriggerFinger]

I have not touched it. Didn’t want to stress it more before it settles in. The thing with alveopora that I’ve noticed since looking into it today is that they have 12 “petals”. The one I have seams to have 8 best I can tell.

It does look like eight to me too. Oh my...could it really be the smurf polyps?!

 

[JasonK84]

It does look like eight to me too. Oh my...could it really be the smurf polyps?!

Wouldn’t that make me a lucky guy! I’ll start the bidding at $1,...,...,...,...

 

[JasonK84]

Here is a link to the original “smurf polyps” as christened by Julian Sprung. Does anyone know if there’s been an update to this article.

Smurf Polyps, An Enigmatic Blue Soft Coral

Can anyone identify this coral?

reefs.com

 

[DanConnor]

Could it be sympodium?

edit: it does look a lot like whats in the article above...

 

[JasonK84]

Could it be sympodium?

edit: it does look a lot like whats in the article above...

I guess it’s possible but won’t know unless it opens up more to reveal the feathery “petals”. It sure doesn’t look anything like the below image at the moment.

 

[Hairyteeth]

....did it open up a little more yeeeet?

 

[joseserrano]

Could it be sympodium?

edit: it does look a lot like whats in the article above...

I think sympodium as well

 

[JasonK84]

....did it open up a little more yeeeet?

I’ll try some more pics this afternoon.

 

[PTXReef]

OOhhhh following! Very pretty and nice pick up! Curious to see what it is if it opens up more

 

[danieyella]

Very cool, I'm curious to see what it ends up being..

 

[sixty_reefer]

Following to see how it develops am still saying smurf polyps, as soon as the polyps extend there won’t be a reason to doubt

 

[JasonK84]

Following to see how it develops am still saying smurf polyps, as soon as the polyps extend there won’t be a reason to doubt

If there was ever a time that I hoped you were right it would be now!