LFS coral ID?

[rusty shackleford yes]

I found this interesting coral in the LPS section of my LFS for 10$. I was going to ask what it was but I got distracted and bought the favia instead. I would really love an ID of this coral so I can research its needs before going back and buying it.

 

[BlueNem]

Following

 

[Mschmidt]

three of them almost look like galaxia but the branches make me think they aren't, with the darkest (second from the top) being pavona. If they all looked the same IRL, I'd say pavona. I liked it, till it started being a pest and taking out cooler coral.

 

[Aquadude1]

Looks like a hydnophora to me

Could be a pavona but the growth pattern looks off to me. But hard to tell in the photo

 

[MoshJosh]

Pictures are a bit fuzzy. . . looking at the polyps (from what I can see), maybe leptastrea, bernardopora, or hydnophora. . .

 

[Mschmidt]

Looks like a hydnophora to me

Could be a pavona but the growth pattern looks off to me. But hard to tell in the photo

Pictures are a bit fuzzy. . . looking at the polyps (from what I can see), maybe leptastrea, bernardopora, or hydnophora. . .

does hydnophora branch? I thought that too, but for the branches.

 

[MoshJosh]

Yes it branches (or at least certain varieties do). That said the branching off the side like that is not something I have seen personally.

 

[Aquadude1]

does hydnophora branch? I thought that too, but for the branches.

There are branching hydnophora but even the non branching are not always strictly encrusting.

Hydnophora exesa is a cool one.

 

[rusty shackleford yes]

I’m sorry y’all, I don’t have any better pictures and won’t have a chance to go back until this weekend. Thanks for all the info though!

 

[Tahoe61]

Leptoseris Mr. Freeze or plating Hydnopora.

 

[Mschmidt]

Tidal Gardens - Pavona Coral Care https://search.app/VticfNtPasdDj1Fr8

Hydnophora Corals for Sale - Tidal Gardens https://search.app/B3LuooeerHyybweQ9

Tidal Gardens - Leptastrea Coral Care https://search.app/B7J8upuQrNFBqeHS7

Which looks closest?

 

[rusty shackleford yes]

Tidal Gardens - Pavona Coral Care https://search.app/VticfNtPasdDj1Fr8

Hydnophora Corals for Sale - Tidal Gardens https://search.app/B3LuooeerHyybweQ9

Tidal Gardens - Leptastrea Coral Care https://search.app/B7J8upuQrNFBqeHS7

Which looks closest?

I think the Pavona looks the closest. Especially the branching ones! I’ll update you what the LFS says it is.

 

[Tidal Gardens Verified Sponsor]

It looks like there are a few chunks of the encrusting part of Purple Pavona. Most times this coral will encrust and then start to branch outwards like a cactus.

 

[rusty shackleford yes]

It looks like there are a few chunks of the encrusting part of Purple Pavona. Most times this coral will encrust and then start to branch outwards like a cactus.

You are right! It’s a coral cactus Pavona!