Xenia or Anthelia? My 29 gallon reef tank

[Blake@Pace]

I just bought a large rock of coral that appears to be either Anthelia or Xenia. What is the difference between the 2? I've had my tank for 3 almost 4 years now with my first coral (brain coral as pictured) being the only survIvor after a nuke 1.5 years ago. Just started back getting 5 chromis and some coral. I'm hoping that the Xenia will cover the rest of my rocks but in my understanding they can grow on the glass.

Please help me further the identification of this coral and any advice. Thanks!

 

[JUNBUG361]

(1st picture) Anthelia, Caulerpa, aiptasia & Kenya tree in the back

 

[AlSimmons]

That looks more like an encrusting Gorgonian in the first picture IMO.

 

[Blake@Pace]

(1st picture) Anthelia, Caulerpa, aiptasia & Kenya tree in the back

What is a Caulerpa?

 

[skiingfast]

What is a Caulerpa?

A macro algae.

 

[Blake@Pace]

A macro algae.

Gotcha. I assume it's alright to have in the aquarium.

 

[ROB2005]

Best kept in a fuge. It is very easy for them to overrun your tank. Can be a pain in the assum to remove.

 

[Blake@Pace]

Best kept in a fuge. It is very easy for them to overrun your tank. Can be a pain in the assum to remove.

I don't have a fuge. I'll probably just remove it. I thought it to might help water quality by leaving it.

 

[johnike]

What is a Caulerpa?

It's the Devil.
Can overtake a tank.

So is Anthelia.