Is this a goniopora? Bought today.

[yourmom]

Well great....I always wanted another Galaxea and now you have me searching for a lavender variety lol.

Are you anywhere near Katy, TX? They have a couple more frags

 

[Mr_Knightley]

I'm sorry, what? This is almost 100% a Goniopora, both color and form give this off clearly. Galaxea has thicker tentacles that are always green, brown or gold (these are white, instantly kicking Galaxea off the list of possibilities). Galaxea also has a vey sharp, distinct skeleton that gives the coral it's common name (tooth coral). I have yet to see the skeleton ( a pic of the skeleton would be an instant identifier) but the shape of the frag give off a round shape underneath.
A pic of the coral while closed would be immensely helpful for ID but I am almost positive that it is goniopora given the shape, color and form of the tentacles.

 

[CanuckReefer]

Are you anywhere near Katy, TX? They have a couple more frags

I wish lol

 

[sfin52]

Its galaxia. I don't see anything in the polyps that resemble gonipora.

 

[CanuckReefer]

I'm sorry, what? This is almost 100% a Goniopora, both color and form give this off clearly. Galaxea has thicker tentacles that are always green, brown or gold (these are white, instantly kicking Galaxea off the list of possibilities). Galaxea also has a vey sharp, distinct skeleton that gives the coral it's common name (tooth coral). I have yet to see the skeleton ( a pic of the skeleton would be an instant identifier) but the shape of the frag give off a round shape underneath.
A pic of the coral while closed would be immensely helpful for ID but I am almost positive that it is goniopora given the shape, color and form of the tentacles.

Its galaxia. I don't see anything in the polyps that resemble gonipora.

The game is afoot! ....agree with @sfin52 here.....until proven otherwise.

 

[fishguy242]

try to get pic of closed tonight w flashlight ,would like to see structure.

 

[Mr_Knightley]

The game is afoot! ....agree with @sfin52 here.....until proven otherwise.

This should be fun...

 

[CanuckReefer]

This should be fun...

It's why we all here....I agree. You correct, I will capitulate lol.

 

[josvanmeer]

I have multiple gonis in my tank, none of them even remotely look like that. Im not saying its not possible, but me too would have to guess Galaxea.

 

[Mr_Knightley]

I have multiple gonis in my tank, none of them even remotely look like that. Im not saying its not possible, but me too would have to guess Galaxea.

I see what you mean there, yeah. But gonis can get very, very long tentacles in long flow and are often of the same violet purple color while Galaxea, unless terribly bleached, have thick, brown to green tentacles.

 

[sfin52]

I see what you mean there, yeah. But gonis can get very, very long tentacles in long flow and are often of the same violet purple color while Galaxea, unless terribly bleached, have thick, brown to green tentacles.

Agree but they would still have a flower like polyp. This has a torch/elegance/galaxea like polyps or sweapers

 

[CanuckReefer]

I have multiple gonis in my tank, none of them even remotely look like that. Im not saying its not possible, but me too would have to guess Galaxea.

To sidetrack....briefly. I have had Goni way back in past never lasted. Trying again now with a frag. So far so good. Dosing live Phytoplankton and Cyclops direct every few days. Heard that was a bit of a magic bullet. Have also heard Mag is important, my salt is high in Mag (Reef Crystals) compared to some others so not dosing that at this point. Keep on keeping on with this protocol or any other secret?

 

[Mr_Knightley]

Agree but they would still have a flower like polyp. This has a torch/elegance/galaxea like polyps or sweapers

This is not necessarily true. While gonis tend to have very open polyps in lower flow, this one is in high enough flow that the tentacles would obscure the base shape.

 

[josvanmeer]

I see what you mean there, yeah. But gonis can get very, very long tentacles in long flow and are often of the same violet purple color while Galaxea, unless terribly bleached, have thick, brown to green tentacles.

I know what you are trying to say, and I would take a pic for you but since the blues are already one I wont get a good pic. I have a really nice 4-5" pastel goni that is super fuzzy, but you can still see the flower disc present to some degree. I dont see that here. Again, I would need better pics to really confirm, but I think its more of a Galaxea.

 

[yourmom]

Looks a little more goni-like... I will see if I can get a better pic soon.

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

Agree... crazy looking but def not a goni. My gut said galaxea. But the tentacles are so long. Let me call in some help. @fishguy242 @MERKEY @sfin52 @LRT @Eagle_Steve can you help ID.

Dang man, I actually could have helped out on this one! : )

 

[fishguy242]

galaxia...

 

[Mr_Knightley]

Looks a little more goni-like... I will see if I can get a better pic soon.

This only confirms it more for me, but if you can get it fully closed up (touch it softly or blow on it with a turkey baster) then we can close this case.
This has been fun lol

 

[CanuckReefer]

galaxia...

My latest contribution to the thread is it Galaxea or Galaxia? And don't tell me this is a Canadian or American spelling thingy or I will loose my mind. ....honestly curious as I have seen it posted both ways lol....

 

[Mr_Knightley]

My latest contribution to the thread is it Galaxea or Galaxia? And don't tell me this is a Canadian or American spelling thingy or I will loose my mind. ....honestly curious as I have seen it posted both ways lol....

Galaxea is the correct Latin name for the genus.