Define LPS. And rare/unusual ID?

acroporas · #1 01/14/2006, 12:07 PM

I have had this piece for about 4 years. It recently started to show some nice growth to it so I am going to start fragging it for my LFS. But I have no clue what to call/classify it as.

The polyps range from 1.5-2.5mm diameter. Which brings me to a dilemma. The polyps are small enough that you can almost call it a SPS. But then I think it is a favid or mussid which are always refereed to as LPS.

So what is the definition of LPS? Is it the size of the polyp, or is it the family. But more importantly, any guess what this coral is?

As I said above, the polyps range from 1.5-2.5mm diameter with most being closer to 2.5. It is either massive or encrusting.(it did spread onto a nearby rock)

sorry about the less than perfect closeup. For some reason I find it impossible to get a good polyp detail shot of this coral.

mschriskim · #2 01/14/2006, 12:58 PM

It is Leptastrea pruinosa it is Faviidae family LPS.

4 years ago when you got it... it was rare but just recently I have seen few different type of morph.

Check this link for info on Leptastrea pruinosa
http://whelk.aims.gov.au/coralsearch...0pages/221.htm

acroporas · #3 01/14/2006, 01:15 PM

Looks like a very good match. Thanks much.

GMAX · #4 01/14/2006, 04:29 PM

I think its Leptastrea alright, but I think it might be L. Transversa. That species is more commonly green like yours. But as always getting down to the species on nothing but a picture is fraught with peril.

Al G Blenny · #5 01/14/2006, 04:34 PM

There is not a clear line between LPS and SPS. It is not a scientific form of classification. It is just something people use as a general reference. There are always grey areas.

fischcrazy · #6 01/14/2006, 06:47 PM

Send me some!!!!!

xdusty6920 · #7 01/15/2006, 01:06 AM

correct mschriskim i have that morph