Id... not sure what it is at all

[prsnlty]

Hi. This item was a few dollar curiosity purchase lol. All I do know is the guy said it came from florida waters and a fast grower. Any ideas what it may be?

125g mixed reef Peninsula

 

[KoleTang]

Acropora. Not sure on species.

 

[prsnlty]

I have seen just a hint of polyp extension. What can I do to help this little guy out? It's in good current and under AI Sol Blue LEDs.

I was thinking it might be an acro but really not sure. I've never seen one like this. But if it is an acro $5 wasn't a bad buy if it makes it I guess

125g mixed reef Peninsula

 

[KoleTang]

Definitely acropora LOL.

They are more sensitive. It will take some time for PE.

 

[Frick]

If it really did come from US waters then it might be Acropora prolifera. Acropora prolifera. Corals of the World - Photos, maps and information about corals and reefs

The bad news is that Acropora profilera (and all Caribbean Acropora species, even if hybridized) is a protected species and is illegal to collect. I am not sure if is legal to own as well. I would highly recommend you get clarification from the source you bought this from.

 

[KoleTang]

It may have been maricultured in florida.

 

[prsnlty]

If it really did come from US waters then it might be Acropora prolifera. Acropora prolifera. Corals of the World - Photos, maps and information about corals and reefs

The bad news is that Acropora profilera (and all Caribbean Acropora species, even if hybridized) is a protected species and is illegal to collect. I am not sure if is legal to own as well. I would highly recommend you get clarification from the source you bought this from.

I don't think this frag is one as you mentioned. It doesn't look the same structurely. I was also informed it could be a birdsnest. Idk.... It has few polyps. However the coloring is similiar. Do birdsnests grow in FL waters?

125g mixed reef Peninsula

 

[KoleTang]

I am 100% sure that is not a birdsnest.

 

[prsnlty]

I am 100% sure that is not a birdsnest.

Thank you, that's good to know In person this frag is kind of mauve colored but a little more red toned

125g mixed reef Peninsula

 

[Frick]

There are only a few Acropora species that are native to Florida waters. The NOAA has listed all Elkhorn and Staghorn Corals (this mean all the Acropora native to the Caribbean) under the ESA (Endangered Species Act). There are organizations culturing these Acropora species, but they will not get into the hobby. They are for repopulation and research use only. My thoughts on all this are that the Acro was either illegally collected from a unknowing diver or, most likely it is not an Acropora from US waters. I would still try to get the truth out of the person that sold this.
Staghorn Coral (Acropora cervicornis) - Office of Protected Resources - NOAA Fisheries

 

[Mr. E Wrasse]

I am an avid diver and live in south florida and can tell you first hand it is not a native florida acro. As stated before there is elkhorn and staghorn. Both are a goldish brown and do not look like that. It could have been aquacultured by ORA in fort. Pierce, FL but is definitely not a wild specimen.

 

[prsnlty]

I called the shop owner and told him what I purchased, what it looked like and what his employee told me. He said that he had several small acro frags in the $5 bin that he put together himself from larger pieces that were broken that he received in a shipment from outside of the US. He couldn't tell me exactly what one it was because he wasn't sure himself as they were all mixed small pieces and that's why he sold them for $5 each. His employee was incorrect about it coming from FL.
So I feel better about that I guess I'm just going to have to wait to see what it becomes

125g mixed reef Peninsula