Mrs Fish
07-16-2007, 08:42 PM
For some time now I have wondered what specific species some of the acros are in my tank. I am starting to frag them now as they have grown out and encrusted considerably in the last year ... but even reading several books and looking on-line it seems that information on the characteristics of different acropora varies tremendously.
Several people have asked me for their specific names ... so if there are any experts out there .. are my guesses accurate?
In this thread I am posting photographs of three acropora species that I got when they were 1/2" single branch frags (ie. a small stick!) .. they have grown tremendously as you can see. They all started looking the same and I could not tell them apart .. but interesting they have grown out quite differently.
Picture 1 & 2: Acropora Granulosa? Has long (up to 1/3 inch) tubular coralites that vary in size. Is not growing in an even pattern - branches grow both horizontally and vertically. Branches are not super dense .. hence I can clip one off if needed. Color: pale green with considerable irridescence even under MH. Really glows under actinics. Photo is a little paler than in real life. End of each branch has started to turn a pale pink color. The 2nd picture seems to have a more accurate color. Polyps are extended, but it does not appear super bushy.
Picture 3: Acropora Caroliniana - bottlebrush? These coralites are elongated, but not like the ones in Pictures 1 & 2. They are also more uniform in size and seem to grow primarily in an upward direction as opposed to horizontally. The green of this coral is paler and slightly yellow. It becomes almost sand yellow/beige at the coralites. The polyps are extended more in this than in the first acropora .. making it appear a little more 'fluffy' or bushy.
Picture 4 & 5: Acropora Valida? I need help with this one. It has grown very differently to the other two. Very tight knit and almost cushion in shape, it was very hard to find a branch bigger than 1/4 inch to frag. Much smaller coralites that seem fairly uniform in size, but not identical. Does not grown directly horizontally, but generally grows upwards and diagonally. Has become three colors - the base being a pale sandy green, the tips have developed a distinct blue/teal and lavendar coloration. Polyps are actively extended during the day, giving it a furry appearance. Several have commented on the interesting color. Above all .. I would like to know what this is!
Several people have asked me for their specific names ... so if there are any experts out there .. are my guesses accurate?
In this thread I am posting photographs of three acropora species that I got when they were 1/2" single branch frags (ie. a small stick!) .. they have grown tremendously as you can see. They all started looking the same and I could not tell them apart .. but interesting they have grown out quite differently.
Picture 1 & 2: Acropora Granulosa? Has long (up to 1/3 inch) tubular coralites that vary in size. Is not growing in an even pattern - branches grow both horizontally and vertically. Branches are not super dense .. hence I can clip one off if needed. Color: pale green with considerable irridescence even under MH. Really glows under actinics. Photo is a little paler than in real life. End of each branch has started to turn a pale pink color. The 2nd picture seems to have a more accurate color. Polyps are extended, but it does not appear super bushy.
Picture 3: Acropora Caroliniana - bottlebrush? These coralites are elongated, but not like the ones in Pictures 1 & 2. They are also more uniform in size and seem to grow primarily in an upward direction as opposed to horizontally. The green of this coral is paler and slightly yellow. It becomes almost sand yellow/beige at the coralites. The polyps are extended more in this than in the first acropora .. making it appear a little more 'fluffy' or bushy.
Picture 4 & 5: Acropora Valida? I need help with this one. It has grown very differently to the other two. Very tight knit and almost cushion in shape, it was very hard to find a branch bigger than 1/4 inch to frag. Much smaller coralites that seem fairly uniform in size, but not identical. Does not grown directly horizontally, but generally grows upwards and diagonally. Has become three colors - the base being a pale sandy green, the tips have developed a distinct blue/teal and lavendar coloration. Polyps are actively extended during the day, giving it a furry appearance. Several have commented on the interesting color. Above all .. I would like to know what this is!