Acropora Identification

[Mike]

Hi guys,

I've got this acropora that we've recently had some discussion about, it was suggested I post some pictures of it for an identification. I thought I'd start a new thread instead of continuing in the old one. It was claimed it was a tortuosa when I purchased it, I don't really think it is, but I don't know. I've been told it may resemble an echinata (sp?) but isn't really that either. Whatever it is, I really like it. The name doesn't so much matter to me, but I am kind of curious. Here's a couple of pics - actually the same one at full size, and resized so you can see the entire coral better. Thank you!

http://img20.photobucket.com/albums/v59/mmorrison/Reef%20Tank/Acro_large.jpg

http://img20.photobucket.com/albums/v59/mmorrison/Reef%20Tank/mini-IMG_0045.jpg
:thanks:

[Ryan Landry]

where is this coral from? what store/person

[Ryan Landry]

i think it is an echinata, it is deffinitly not tortuosa. It appears you got a bonus with your coral (red bugs) take a close look!

[Mike]

Thanks Ryan - I'm aware of the bugs. I'm considering medicating with the Interceptor medication, but I'm concerned about wiping out my mandarin's food source. The acro has had them for some time, and despite poor polyp extension, is still doing amazingly well - good colour, despite my 175 watt lights, and has grown significantly even since these pictures. Thank you for your identification - I did a search on Echinata on Reef Central - sounds like there are a number of different species of acropora being sold as either Tortuosa or Echinata that resemble both, but are neither. From the pictures, it looks to me like this one resembles the echinata more closely. Thank you very much!

[KevinFJB]

Maybe granulosa (?)

[Dory]

I have never seen it.........but it looks neat!

[reefman99]

I would cast my vote with Ryan and suggest that it comes from the Echinata group of Acros.

My guess is that it is A. echinata (bottlebrush) rather than A. carduus which is a lot rarer.

A Quote from Fossa and Nilsen

"A. echinata is perhaps the most beautiful of all the species in the genus. It has the typical growth form of the group, with colonies composed of sprawling, irregularly dividing branches evenly covered on all sides by secondary branchlets. It almost always has a strong purple colouring, so it can hardly ever be confused with other species."

Nice coral!!

[Mike]

Thanks guys! I'll have to look up the granulosa. I'm quite proud of the coral myself. :D I'm glad it's continued to live and grow even with the bugs present. I'm upgrading my lights from 175's to 250's in the next while, and am eager to see the difference that makes - and if I can get rid of the bugs, I'm sure that would help, too!