I'm told that this is unusual, and I've never seen one for sale, but it's a plate coral (fungia) that grows more plate corals.
Every few months I pop a few off (this pic I was overdue) and there are a few little ones growing underneath. They snake up the rock in a little, hard tube like a coco worm or other hard-tube feather duster. Each tube grows a polyp at the end. The colony probably produces 10-15 plate corals per year at 3-5" each when open. They grow up to 10" at least from experience. Since this pic, I popped 3 off and there are a total of 9 growing that I can see.
I once mentioned it to US coral farmer (not in FL) and they said "Oh you have a plate tree! I'm jealous." That's where I heard this term from.
The thing is, my buddy gave it to me when he tore his tank down. He bought it as a $10 frag at Petco. The polyps I sell are retailing at $80 each. You never know what you'll find at any random store I suppose!
How unusual are these? I'd love another. Preferably orange of course.
Every few months I pop a few off (this pic I was overdue) and there are a few little ones growing underneath. They snake up the rock in a little, hard tube like a coco worm or other hard-tube feather duster. Each tube grows a polyp at the end. The colony probably produces 10-15 plate corals per year at 3-5" each when open. They grow up to 10" at least from experience. Since this pic, I popped 3 off and there are a total of 9 growing that I can see.
I once mentioned it to US coral farmer (not in FL) and they said "Oh you have a plate tree! I'm jealous." That's where I heard this term from.
The thing is, my buddy gave it to me when he tore his tank down. He bought it as a $10 frag at Petco. The polyps I sell are retailing at $80 each. You never know what you'll find at any random store I suppose!
How unusual are these? I'd love another. Preferably orange of course.
