i need an id on this favia

[jweed9379]

Ok so i purchased this guy for 30$ at my lfs...it has 7 heads on it and it shows a deep deep purple with white stripes and green around the mouths...i was told it was a zebra favia. Is this simply a made up lfs name? Or is that truly what it is?

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

That's a common name the LFS called it by. It's Acanthastrea echinata, not a Favia of any kind. I'd personally be wary of a LFS that cannot properly ID fairly common corals.

 

[Tab28]

Enchinata are often mis-labeled as chalice or favia. A knowledgeable retailer can tell the difference. The buyer thinking he is getting a chalice places it near other chalices to find out the aggressive enchinata has killed several chalices. Enchinata require much more room between them and any other coral.