Echinophyllia/Oxypora Growth

[longra]

I bought the following about a year ago as an echino, but think it could be an oxypora. Is the pic good enough to tell? It's been very happy and has started growing pretty well. Problem is, I "thought" it was a chalice-type of coral, but its growth seems wrong. The assumption was that it would grow a plate beneath the fleshy part as it grows. It's not. The fleshy part appears to be dripping over the sides and hanging down. Is this to be expected?

I've tried searching for information about how they grow, but info's very hard to find. Any help or pointers appreciated.

Parameters:

25 gallon, tall tank
Coral placed high in tank and nearly horizontal
Location gets moderate to low water flow
65w 10k, 65w actinic lights
Large skimmer, DSB, live rock, occasional charcoal filtering
One "Nemo" is only fish
Lots of bugs, worms, snails
Mrs Wage's in filtered tap water as makeup water
Occasionally add Seachem Reef Advantage Calcium to increase calc
Alk stays pretty good
5 gallon water change every 2-3 week using IO salt
Calc: 405 ppm
Alk: 3.9 meq/L
pH: 8.4
Temp: 82
Nitrate: 0

Thanks,

rick

 

[joe18]

intresting, but this is SPS forum,

and may be more apreciated in the LPS section...

joe

 

[kahunakatz]

I didn't look up the species but I think you have an Oxypora not an Echinophyllia. As for the common name it could be called a chalice, but I don't think the common name means much.

I have seen Oxypora grow in the shape that you are talking about where they grow like they are drooping. Neat Coral.

Best Wishes,
Barry

 

[longra]

Thanks for the info. I may frag it in the near future. Should I wait until the thick base catches up, or "trim" it and glue it?

 

[kahunakatz]

It is easier on the coral if you frag the skeleton while it is thin. There is no way to know how long you might be waiting for the skeleton to thicken up. You just can't know if it will grow its skeleton for distance or if it will decide to thicken it.

Best Wishes,
Barry