Fire Coral?

[Auquanut]

Back when I was diving a lot, there was a brilliant pinkish red coral called fire coral that was prolific in the Marianas. Seems like I saw it in Indonesia and Thailand as well, but I could be wrong. Definitely an Acro. Skeletal structure like a valida maybe. It was called fire coral because if you accidentally scraped against it, it gave a painful rash. I know from experience. I haven't seen anything in the hobby that has that brilliant color. I can't even find a decent picture on google. Has anyone come across something like this?

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

Fire coral is genus Millepora. Not to be confused with the species, Acropora millepora. As you noted, prominent in nature but not so much in the hobby. I’ve seen it for sale a few times.

 

[Auquanut]

Thanks. Any idea about suitability for a mixed reef if I do find it?

 

[29bonsaireef]

It's a weed. It can, and will take over an entire tank.

 

[Auquanut]

Does it spawn, or just grow like crazy? Also, does it have a common name like rainbow millepora or diablo?

 

[29bonsaireef]

It just grows like crazy and will engulf almost anything in its path, has a nasty sting too. There is no common name that I know of other than, Fire Coral. There are a few different species however.

 

[PatW]

Here in Florida, fire corals are hydrozoans of the genus millepora. They are not corals at all. They also pack a nasty little sting. Given how common names are often peculiar to a region, quite different organisms can have the same common name.

 

[Auquanut]

Doesn't sound like it would be worth the effort even if I found the "fire coral" I'm referring to. I can personally attest to the sting. Nasty rash. Very painful. Oozes and scabs over. Lasts a long time. I probably wouldn't be able to achieve the amazing color under artificial light anyway, and would wind up disappointed.