Starting to get SPS

[cbleehk]

Hi all

I started getting a few pieces of SPS and wanted to know how one would ID them specifically. I wanted to learn more about the specifics of each of what I have and in the future when I get new ones.

Any references would be appreciated.

 

[Hemmdog]

Hi all

I started getting a few pieces of SPS and wanted to know how one would ID them specifically. I wanted to learn more about the specifics of each of what I have and in the future when I get new ones.

Any references would be appreciated.

Ora neon green birdsnest, a different type of birdsnest, an acro (selago or some other kind of acro)
I look at the skeletal structure, polyp design &length, colors(certain acro species only come in certain colors) it takes time to be able to ID stuff. I check out reputable coral vendors all the time so I guess it’s accumulated knowledge. I’m pretty good with lps but acro species are definitely trickier.

 

[richard.volker]

Loads of different sites

First pic looks like a Hystrix, second one looks like a birdsnest.

Those are pretty and forgiving sps pieces to start off with.

3rd piece looks like a type of acro.

I have the below websites pretty good for ids

http://www.coralsoftheworld.org/species_factsheets/

https://www.reeflex.net/mainCategory/2.html

They won't give you the "designer name" of the coral though

 

[cbleehk]

Thanks guys! and yes the guy I bought from said the first 2 are easier ones to start off with, that was about a month ago. They seems to be growing larger so I bought the 3rd one.

I took the pic of the acro right after it got in the tank, the polyps weren't out yet, hopefully I'll be able to see it grow within a few weeks and then I can start adding more.

@richard.volker the sites seem really extensive. I will definitely reference them in the future.

 

[29bonsaireef]

First two pics are Seriatopora, thicker branch is Caliendrum. Thin, branch is Hystrix. A. Selago is not a bad guess for the acro, but I'm leaning towards the Aussie bottlebrush type as they are more common, A. Aculeus. With the hobby drifting more into the brand named corals nowadays, and leaving out the species. I think it's very important to research as much as you can. So you don't get scammed/tricked or sold something that has been around for years with a new name. It will also help with giving the coral the correct requirements it needs. Find a book if you can, with photos and descriptions. This will be your best friend when ID'ing corals.