SPS ID and advice needed

[lee_d_m]

Hi,

I've had this coral for about 6 months and it's been growing relatively slowly but always seemed ok

In the last month or so, I've noticed less polyp extension, usually the polyps would be out along the length of the whole branch, but now, as you can see, the polyps only seem to come out towards the inside of the branch.

I've also never been able to ID this coral, so would appreciate any advice on ID and lighting/flow requirements

Thanks

Lee

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[Frick]

From the looks of the hair algae and dim color of the coral I would recommend checking your Phosphates first.

It might be A. valida. I would try giving it a little more water flow if you can and make sure those PO4 are low.
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0077

 

[lee_d_m]

Hi,

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm not sure it's A. Valida as I have one of those. I did a bit of research yesterday and I think it might be A. Horrida. Thoughts ?

I've been battling the algae for some time, my NO3 are 0 and my PO4 are .03-.04 (I run GFO 24/7) and yet this stuff won't grow. It doesn't grow any longer than you see, but when I scrape it off, it grows back to this length and just sits there, nothing will eat it either and I have tangs, Foxface, snails etc.

 

[Frick]

Maybe. A. horrida usually grows long branch and really does not cluster like yours is. Also the radial corallites on A. horrida are dome shaped. I can't really see the radials on yours because the polyps are in the way.