Cyphastrea?

Delta1389 · May 13, 2017

I purchased this frag as cyphastrea but the guy didn't seem 100% certain. He had it on the rack with a bunch of "mini goniopora". All the other pics I've seen of cyphastrea the base is a different color than the polyps. Is this in fact cyphastrea?

JaimeAdams · May 13, 2017

Maybe goniopora. Get the polyps to close up and take a picture.

JaimeAdams · May 13, 2017

cyphastrea will have like little volcano like ridges where the polyps are. Goniopora will sink in like caves.

Delta1389 · May 13, 2017

I was leaning toward Goni myself because of that one big polyp.

Shep · May 13, 2017

Not a cyphastrea, more than likely a goni

Delta1389 · May 13, 2017

Do you think it's the normal mound type variety or an encrusting variety?

JaimeAdams · May 13, 2017

short tentacle goniopora

Delta1389 · May 13, 2017

JaimeAdams said:
short tentacle goniopora

Easier or harder to keep than the normal goniopora? Was not intending to get one because of their reputation for being difficult to keep alive long term. Was really wanting a cyphastrea. Will have to try now that I have it.

JaimeAdams · May 13, 2017

uh they used to be hard to keep and still have that reputation. Granted stoney corals used to be completely impossible to keep and keeping xenia was once a thing of dreams and the highest levels of achievement in the hobby. I really don't think gonis are hard to keep, mine do best when they fall off the frag rack down next to a rock where I don't see them for months on end.