mystery coral ID

[morielli]

Hi All,

Here is a photo of a mystery coral (or whatever) that I'm hoping someone might be able to identify.

It is about 2 months old and grew spontaneously from live rock that is kept in a 10 gal storage tank. It has very low lighting (30w, normal flourescent, 50% actinic, 10 hrs/day). Water parameters are as for NSW. Temp = 78oF, SG = 1.026. No such organisms have emerged in my main tank that holds the bulk of the live rock from this shipment and that is lit with 8w/gal.

Anyway, it's not colorful but is definitly beautiful in its own way. I'd be grateful to anyone who can help identify it.

Thanks,

Tony

 

[jcatblum]

I think it looks nice.....
Sorry, can't help with ID

 

[mejiggery]

I'm fairly sure its a type of algae. Sorry i cant give a proper id but i'll keep looking for you if no-one else finds it first

 

[MiddletonMark]

I would second it's ID as an algae ... also unsure on name.

No reference books at work, will try to look at home.

 

[mejiggery]

I think its scroll algea Padina sp.
possibly even Padina pavonica try doing a search i'm sure you'll find plenty of info.

 

[thehedge]

Thats definately Padina pavonica, without a doubt.

 

[morielli]

After doing a web search on "Padina pavonica" it seems pretty clear that that's what I have.

Thanks to everyone for their input. I'm still amazed at how great it is to be able to put this out there and get correct feedback so quickly. A decade ago I might have spent hours in the library and still come up with nothing. Thanks again!