What are some of the more vertical branching varieties?

[j_mazzy]

So I have some monti in the tank and some acro on the way. I love tabling varieties and have their position laid out. what I need is one or two vertical branching style for very top where it will grow to the top of the water level.

 

[Myka]

You're looking for coral that are typically called "Stags" (short for Staghorn), though some Stags are more vertical than others. Here are the ones that first come to mind when I think of vertical Stags that hit the water surface first. :lol:

Acropora yongei - easy species. Typical "Green Slimer", other color varieties
Acropora exquisita - a bit more challenging, but doable for most
Acropora hoeksemai - typically a challenging coral, many experienced keepers have trouble with this one, but get the right conditions and it takes right off

There are several others, but these are the three that hit the water surface first for me.

 

[C.Eymann]

You're looking for coral that are typically called "Stags" (short for Staghorn), though some Stags are more vertical than others. Here are the ones that first come to mind when I think of vertical Stags that hit the water surface first. :lol:

Acropora yongei - easy species. Typical "Green Slimer", other color varieties
Acropora exquisita - a bit more challenging, but doable for most
Acropora hoeksemai - typically a challenging coral, many experienced keepers have trouble with this one, but get the right conditions and it takes right off

There are several others, but these are the three that hit the water surface first for me.

All excellent recommendations.
Hoeki's definitely are challenging and grow a bit slower than most stags. Would also like to add Acropora loisettae as its a great fast grower, some nice color morphs can be found, esp the Steve Elias one

Also check out ORA, they have some easy rapid growing stags, scripps, miami orchid, turquoise stag etc etc, literally the scripps I had in my old tank was one of the fastest growing corals I have ever witnessed.

 

[j_mazzy]

I have to add I'm not a big fan of long horned style stags. Green slimers are one of the ones that seem to look exactly like deer antlers and get long. I would love a compact style of antler. branching and vertical but smaller.

 

[Myka]

I have to add I'm not a big fan of long horned style stags. Green slimers are one of the ones that seem to look exactly like deer antlers and get long. I would love a compact style of antler. branching and vertical but smaller.

Ah, well now you're asking for something totally different...

Acropora austera
Acropora carduus
Acropora lokani
Acropora papillare
Acropora tortuosa

There are tons that fit into your updated "vertical-ish".

 

[happyhourhero]

ORA Frogskin has a pretty sweet, unique growth pattern and it grows quickly.

 

[steallife904]

I have a giant pink birdnest growing out of the water! have an orange and green branching monti that are growing vertical and branching.

 

[Horace]

birdsnests (especially the pink ones) seeem to grow like weeds. I grew mine from a 1.5" frag into just slightly smaller than a soccer ball in 2 years. You can see growth every day on those, but they arent exactly vertical . They grow out in all directions and very dense.

Torts are a bit less "horn" like, but they are not fast growers.

Montipora Digitata are very very fast growers and have a semi vertical appearance. My avatar is one example. It was my pink digi..that damn thing grew like a weed!

 

[j_mazzy]

Ty all. I will post any updates on a decision or if I'm looking and see who has something.

 

[kevin_e]

I would go with an A. tortuosa

 

[steallife904]

birdsnests (especially the pink ones) seeem to grow like weeds. I grew mine from a 1.5" frag into just slightly smaller than a soccer ball in 2 years. You can see growth every day on those, but they arent exactly vertical . They grow out in all directions and very dense.

Torts are a bit less "horn" like, but they are not fast growers.

Montipora Digitata are very very fast growers and have a semi vertical appearance. My avatar is one example. It was my pink digi..that damn thing grew like a weed!

you are not lying about the birdnest! I had 2 at one point soccer ball size and sold one. my remaining one now is slightly smaller than a soccer ball because I fragged the crap out of it. I now cut it back every now and then and just toss the frags because it grows so fast!

 

[bradleyj]

 

[j_mazzy]

Love all the pics. I went with some of John coppolino's corals.