difference between welso and symphyllia

[kurtyboh]

I have been trying to research this but all the comparisons that I come across describe the difference of symphy vs lobo which is pretty clear one mouth per lobe and its lobo many symphy; but wellso also has multiple mouths so that doesn't really work... then you throw trachy's in the mix and I see no difference. One thing I read is that the wellso phyla has been scientifically abondoned but still used in the hobby. I just don't see a difference and would like to be able to tell them apart.

 

[miyags]

I never thought they looked the same to me. May be wellso's and trachy's have smooth skin verses rough bumpy looking skin on symphyllia and lobos?

 

[kurtyboh]

now that you mention it I do see some bumps on the symphyllia, although it's still a fairly mild difference esp if the the coral isn't fully expanded. Thanks for that bit though!

 

[Tab28]

Welso is no longer used. It is lumped in with trachy. Those two look similar but easily could easily tell the difference. Smooth skin and welso has more wavy look. Trachy is usually one or two waved and the center like figure 8. Both have some what roundish shape and multiple mouths.

Lobo and Symphillia is a different matter. Lobo can have one mouth per head. Smooth outer rim and round heads. Symphillia multiple mouths per head. Bumpy outer rim and twisting elongated heads, maze looking. And some lobos looks that way as well. Some lobos look exactly like symphillia. Like trying to tell the favia family apart.

 

[kurtyboh]

@Tab, There are stores still selling wellso so I assume it to be something similar to chocolate and yellow labs... they are the same species but have a slightly different look and distinguishing between the tow can help the shopper get exactly what they want.
As for the Symphillia lobo situation, are you saying that there are lobos with multiple mouths per lobe? These guys are way too confusing!!!
trachy
http://reefbuilders.com/files/2010/04/rainbow-trachyphyllia.png
wellso
http://www.reefhotspot.com/store/images/large/ftrach90202r2.jpg
symphy
http://goldenmarindo.com/images/products/real/Symphy_40.jpg
Is it the head of the wellso and trachy that has greater definition than the symphy, as in you easily recognize the area where a head is? The symphy's tissue is covering almost everybit of it. whereas the others are still distinguishable?

 

[Tab28]

Wellsophyllia are now called Trachyphyllia radiata. Stores will still call them wellso out of habit and to distinguish them from the old school trachy. Your first picture is actually an old school wellso but still correct calling it a trachy. Old school trachy generally have at most two waves in the body. They also will have a figure 8 shape when looking at the bottom.

Lobo can have multiple mouths in each head as well as a shape similar to the maze look of a symphillia. Trachy radiata looks more like the shape of a symphillia than an old school trachy. But welso have a wave like look symphillia and lobos will have a maze like look. The center area and outer ring will recurve and twist. A wellso outer ring will wave up and down like a roller coaster around the center area. But center does not twist around the outer rings.