Difference between millipora and prostrata?

[mkbtank]

See the second pic. I had thought this was a Milli, but after looking at a prostrata on reeffarmers, I think it may be a prostrata because-"The prostrata species however tends to develop 'thin elongate branches" (and I think Milli's may be more uniform). I am no expert. Different colors definitely, but the base of the prostrata looks exactly like the one I have before it grew out. Just curius to see what other's look like. These shots are also from different angles so it may be tough to tell.

Here is the prostrata:

Here is mine:

Can anyone post pics of their prostrata?

 

[mkbtank]

After googling more pics of prostrata's, I don't think it is one. Still love to see the shots though

 

[dots]

If you are really interested in the scientific differences, buy yourself of Corals of the World, by JEN Vernon. It more information than you can shake a stick at.

 

[ct_vol]

In frag form prostrata's and mille's look very similar... I think Prostratas look kind of like stretched out milles... Not sure if that makes sense, but if you had them side by side, I think you would know what I'm saying... lol

Its a nice frag you have there though...

 

[reefkoi]

looking at frags its almost impossible to tell, its real obvious when you see a larger colony, the prostrata are very uniform in branch structure and the millis tend to grow branches unevenly.
C

 

[mkbtank]

Thanks for the thoughts. I agree, it should be a no brainer in a few months.

ct_vol - thanks. This is my fastest growing frag. 2 months ago it was flat with only 1 branch. It has been another month, so maybe I will get a pic tonight and post it.

 

[Kip]

you can have a prostrata in high flow look like a mille

and

you can have a mille in low flow look like a prostrata

but all things being equal... IME, a mille is more table-like and a prostrata grows taller branches... prostrata branches are often thicker

but environment has everything to do with their morphology

 

[Kolognekoral]

I think everyone has nailed this, it is too young to be sure. Judging from your frag, I tend to A. millipora, as it is producing copious branching, which is typical of young table forms. Still, let's see it again in a couple of months (I know, a terribly long wait!)

Dots recommendation for Corals Of The World is right on. The absolute bible for coral ID. Expensive, but well worth it. Also, there is an IDing CD ROM of the book available, which I rarely use, but can help narrow things down.

 

[Kip]

the online version... not as interactive, sometimes down/extremely slow... and you have to look thru pics of each species... but same information and free ... the aussie site:
http://whelk.aims.gov.au/coralsearch/coralid_search.php

 

[mkbtank]

That last pic was actually from about a month ago, and this frag is my fastest grower.

Any better??

I will check out that book as well! Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[Paco1l1d]

looks like most milli's i have seen but I am in no way an expert for sps identification, beautiful piece though