Green Sun Coral?

[aquadonkey]

Is this possible? I've been looking around for some large-polyp NPS and came across this. Seems like it's likely to have been dyed - any comments??

 

[aninjaatemyshoe]

It is possible. Some variants of T. micrantha and T. diaphana (both often referred to as "black sun corals") can be more of a dark green color than completely black. If you can post a pic, we would have a better sense of whether it is a natural or dyed color.

 

[aquadonkey]

I don't know how to copy a pic from a store's website (or whether that's legal), but it's being sold right now by a place called Salty Underground - in the LPS coral section.
Looks fake to me - but would be cool if that color is natural!

 

[suta4242]

Just checked the site, and its a black sun in need of some feeding. The dark green sheen is natural, not dyed.

HTH

 

[aninjaatemyshoe]

FWIW, they are overcharging for that specimen (probably Tubastrea micrantha), which looks like it needs a lot of TLC. Also, they really are pushing the meaning of the term "rare." More often than not this species of sun coral seems to have that exact coloration - not really hard to find.

 

[aquadonkey]

Great info! Thanks!
I have a small black one - healthier than this when purchased, but still being stubborn about feeding..... we'll get there!

 

[vresor]

I've seen the same thing and the allure is strong. I found a six head frag a couple months ago that is mostly black, but has a dark green tint to the polyp end. Eats like a pig, but not out as consistently as the more traditional orange suns or dendros.