unknown species-steveL ????

[spoon25]

very few have 12 and most have 18 polyps on each head....is this a goni? the heads come out about 1-1/2 inch been that way for over a year now? would goni die if it didnt coome out all the way?

 

[spoon25]

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/spoonyluvr25b/DSCF0265tank11.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/spoonyluvr25b/DSCF0253tank6.jpg

 

[dalbrecht]

what does the coral look like with polyps retracted?

 

[spoon25]

like a goni rock...

 

[RandyO]

looks like a goniopora to me.

 

[dalbrecht]

I agree, looks like a goni to me.

 

[spoon25]

awesome thanks

 

[SteveL]

Spoon25:

According to Veron there are at least 24 species of Goniapora including branching, massive and encrusting species. From your photo I'd go with this being an encrusting species either G. somaliensis or G. tenella.

Interestingly, Veron comments that G. somaliensis when it has its polyps out resembles colonies of Alveopora more than other Goniapora species. Not sure why he says this as the 24 tentacles are a give away but if the master can be confused then we are certainly excused.

Looks like you have a thriving Goni species.

SteveL

 

[spoon25]

thanks