Madracis pharensis

iani · Feb 11, 2008

Been trying all week to figure out what this unknown piece was that I picked up. I know the location on aims may not fit but the skeleton structure is dead on. Let me know what you guys think about the id.
aims link
http://www2.aims.gov.au/coralsearch/html/801-900/Species pages/833.htm

The piece

Close up on polyps

Polyps intruded

Skeleton shot

iani · Feb 11, 2008

Nope not at all.

gflat65 · Feb 11, 2008

Interesting piece.

twon8 · Feb 11, 2008

Not Madracis, as it's an atlantis coral, and thus not likely(illegal) to have made it into the trade

I think it's a stylocoeniella
http://www2.aims.gov.au/coralsearch/html/301-400/Species pages/343.htm
or more likely
http://www2.aims.gov.au/coralsearch/html/301-400/Species pages/344.htm

iani · Feb 12, 2008

It has been stated that the Madracis has been found on the pacific coast of Mexico. Also it has been found in Hawaii. It is not only limited to the Atlantic. Plus it fits the discription and skeletal structure to a T. I have had one reputable person say it looked like a Madracis. The skeleton does not look right on the two corals you linked.