Fungia Plate Corals

[Bongo Shrimp]

Just a quick question on fungia plates. I have never had one before but have a lead on a neon red one for a good price. (still expensive, that is why I'm asking this question)

My question is, do fungia plates typically shift colors for any reason? I'd hate to spend a fair amount on this neon red one and have it turn green or orange on me.

Also, this is a pic of the one that I may buy, does it appear to be in good health?

 

[photobret]

Looks healthy make sure its not dyed! I would snap it up, like any coral though make sure the water quality is good as it may cause problems with color and good lighting as well

 

[graveyardworm]

Are you purchasing it online or can you see it in person first? That one is a beauty and appears healthy. Typically when a coral is dyed the entire coral is the same color, that one appears to have normally colored zooxanthalae. The red highlights could be an effect of photoshopping or actinics, but to me it looks unshopped and there's no trace of heavy blue in the sand.

 

[Bongo Shrimp]

I wil be getting it from a fellow reefer who either owns a LFS near me or works there (I think he owns it but am not sure). Anyways, I will be able to see it in person when I get it from him either at the store or his home or something. So I will be able to see it before I buy.

Also, do the brownish lines in between the red parts look normal?

 

[graveyardworm]

I would say yes they're normal, and the underlying color of the coral. The red are highlights which should look really nice with the right lighting.

 

[Bongo Shrimp]

Ok, now for the big question- Do you think $300 is a reasonable price for a red fungia like that? I have been told it is 2.5 inches in diameter and is over 2yrs old in captivity. I ask because I don't know too much about the pricing of fungias in general.

 

[VacavilleFC3S]

it's pretty but theres no way in hell i'd pay $300 for it.

 

[crsaz]

if its truly that red I wouldn't pay a penny over $75

 

[Bongo Shrimp]

I mean, I've seen them on other sites for $500 and on Liveaquaria for over $600. I was just wondering if anyone had any other opinions.

 

[triggerfreak]

The bright color ones are always more expensive.Are you getting this from jason ( aka blackgrandprix ).

 

[Bongo Shrimp]

Yep, have you seen it in person? I'm sure it truly does look like the pic but just want to be sure. What do you think about that price?

 

[triggerfreak]

Yes i have.You will not be dissapointed.All his plate corals are amazing and are brighter in person.Everything i have bought from jason has looked awsome and did well.I just got a bunch of zoos and some dendro from him a couple weeks ago.And he just works at kees although he is the best person there.Personally i think it is high but he has alot oh high end stuff and i have seen a couple other plate corals he had go for more that that.

Yep, have you seen it in person? I'm sure it truly does look like the pic but just want to be sure. What do you think about that price?

 

[Bongo Shrimp]

Thanks, it's just a little hard for me to justify buying a fungia for $300 when others cost $75 or $80, even though I know it is a good deal.

But I still am wondering if anyone knows about fungias changing colors. Does that ever happen with different conditions or do they pretty much keep their color?

 

[triggerfreak]

I hear you.I just started getting into rock anemones and i paid 17 dollars for one at the trop and then seen the one junior has for sale for 450 dollars.It is awsome but i can't imagine spending that much on a anemone.

Thanks, it's just a little hard for me to justify buying a fungia for $300 when others cost $75 or $80, even though I know it is a good deal.

But I still am wondering if anyone knows about fungias changing colors. Does that ever happen with different conditions or do they pretty much keep their color?

 

[Bongo Shrimp]

Yeah but I've always wanted one like this since I first saw it on MR. So I'm willing to pay the price.

Anyone know about the colors issue?

 

[graveyardworm]

Personally I think coral pricing that high is rediculous. The collector didnt paid anymore for it. Why should it be soo much more than other plates when it gets to the other end? and yes I understand why nobody has to explain it. Its worth whatever you're willing to pay for it. If conditions in your tank are similar, lighting, and water parameters then it should hold its color. Corals can change lose/gain color under varying conditions. If you trust the seller then you will likely be fine. A friend gave me an orange one when he had to shut his tank down and it has held color for about the last 8 months through slightly varying conditions.

 

[suta4242]

Have no reason to believe this will apply to the fungia you're getting, but I've seen some green ones locally that have become drab once they get bigger. These were initially very small and it certainly doesn't apply to all species.

If it were me I'd buy it, provided you don't think theres any chance it could have been dyed. Looks like a beautiful coral BTW. :beer:

 

[photobret]

$300 is about the going rate for something rare like that. I know of a store here in Cali that has some amazing color fungia's and that would be ball park for unusual colors like this one. If you like it buy it. People spend $300 + on 1/2" chalices after all.

 

[P*cayanne911]

Personally I think coral pricing that high is rediculous. The collector didnt paid anymore for it. Why should it be soo much more than other plates when it gets to the other end? and yes I understand why nobody has to explain it. Its worth whatever you're willing to pay for it. If conditions in your tank are similar, lighting, and water parameters then it should hold its color. Corals can change lose/gain color under varying conditions. If you trust the seller then you will likely be fine. A friend gave me an orange one when he had to shut his tank down and it has held color for about the last 8 months through slightly varying conditions.

Because the colectors know what its worth and they charge a premium price to us LFS owners. For some reason people think LFS owners recieve a list that says "chalice" or "fungia", when in reality the wholesale lists are quite specific. The colectors arent stupid, they know whats valuable, and I would bet the LFS that has that fungia ordered it as a red fungia and probably paid a considerable sum for it. We dont just order a "colored chalice" and recieve a mummy eye, :eek1:. If we want the good stuff, we have to pay for it.

 

[triggerfreak]

And hey just ask jason.He is one of the most knowledgeable guys in the hobby in michigan and he will be strait up with you on all your questions.