montipora id please

[cloak]

I apologize for not having a picture at this moment, but I bought this quarter size frag the other day. I don't think it plates, just encrusts on the rocks. It's purple with these bright blue polyps. Any ideas? Thank you.

 

[Frick]

There are about over 100 (110ish) Montiopora species described with a species name. Potentially any one of them could be that color combo, and if is that small it could still be the start of anyone species at this point. So with out a pic Purple Montipora is going to be the best answer I can give you.
http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxlist

 

[cloak]

Here you go.



Thanks.

 

[Frick]

Hmmm Maybe Montipora hodgsoni if it plates.
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0732

Or maybe Montipora undate if it encrust.
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0278

 

[cloak]

Thank you.

 

[leveldrummer]

That can still be a plating montipora, they all encrust first until they have a good strong base built that can hold the weight.

 

[Frick]

That can still be a plating montipora, they all encrust first until they have a good strong base built that can hold the weight.

Yep. We won't really know until it grows out more. It could even plate downward, which i will have to find another guess if that happens.