Yellow Encrusting Xenia (YEX)

[chrisaggie]

Originally posted by chrisaggie
If you look at the pictures the polyps do have the ability to retract...

I was wrong in saying this...I confused retract and contract.

[aphenes]

It is cool getting to the bottom of things!
The coral that has "runners" or stolens, is typically Clavularia sp. ("daisy polyps, clove polyps"). They look similar to Anthelia sp.
Anthelia sp. do grow "similar" to green star polyps/ starburst (Pachyclavularia sp.) polyps by "encrusting/ sheeting".
That close up photo really looks like an Anthelia polyp.

[MBuck]

Ok, now I have a question. I thought I had pink star polyps, but am now not sure. This stuff RETRACTS into it's encrusting....it is like a sheet of rubber type substance that is completely covering a 4" X 8" rock, it has little "dimples" where the actual coral "comes out" of the encrusted surface, it even encrusted over a frag of acro about 2" away, completely covering the upright branch.

When it comes out, it looks like little star polyps, but more feathery then the GSP I have, almost fragile looking.
I saw some anthelia, and thought maybe that was what I have... Now I don't know!

Will try to get a pic of it inside it's surface membrane, and one of it out....

[aphenes]

MBuck- your description sounds more like Clavularia sp. polyps ( "daisy/ glove/ clove").
Will be interested to see some photos!

[MBuck]

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/...21MVC-849S.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/...21MVC-853S.JPG
Here you can see where the acro used to be, it has been completely smothered by this stuff...

[chrisaggie]

Looks to be encrusting gorgonian, briarium.

[aphenes]

I agree with chrisaggie.
It looks like the "encrusting gorgonian", Briarium, or possibly Erytropodium.
Great looking specimen!

[MBuck]

Thanks!! I bought a combo of corals from a guy getting out of the hobby, and really have no idea what some of this stuff is!! I am slowly getting ID's. Good luck on your search!

[chrisaggie]

After reading online and speaking with several folks I have come to the conclusion that a good ID on this coral is not likely. I hope I can spread this coral around for many to enjoy.

[Shawnts106]

It is encrusting only, no main stalks.

ok, so definatly not Elongata,

Just call me when you find out! haha

[c1truz]

Ill let you guys know what i think when i get some next week

[JeffDubya]

I'm new to this party, but I would love a frag as well.

[chrisaggie]

Originally posted by JeffDubya
I'm new to this party, but I would love a frag as well.

I'm out of frags right now, sorry.

[JeffDubya]

What if my best friend (and his wife) and my kid's namesake is an A&M Grad? Does that get me bonus points? Pulled his damn ring out of my hot tub drain when it was 10 degrees and snowing outside...

[chrisaggie]

Originally posted by JeffDubya
What if my best friend (and his wife) and my kid's namesake is an A&M Grad? Does that get me bonus points? Pulled his damn ring out of my hot tub drain when it was 10 degrees and snowing outside...

Yup, big bonus points for that one. You'll be first on the list for the next round!

[JeffDubya]

hehe you damn Aggies Sweet...

[Shawnts106]

Still not found out what it is?

I found this on Wetwebmedia while researching my Blue Efflatounaria I have got.

[chrisaggie]

No clue what it is, I gave up looking. Have any ideas?

[c1truz]

Well i can tell you that after receiving the frag 2 things..........

1.) Its not yellow

2.) Its not xenia


After being in my tank it turned out to look like the exact color of my white/pink xenia. But looks like anthelia to me. JMO

[chrisaggie]

Originally posted by c1truz
Well i can tell you that after receiving the frag 2 things..........

1.) Its not yellow

2.) Its not xenia


After being in my tank it turned out to look like the exact color of my white/pink xenia. But looks like anthelia to me. JMO

Fair enough.

1. It's only yellow under intense light.

2. Why do you think so? My main problem with calling this anthelia is that it pulses and the polyps look exactly like xenia..

[aphenes]

Xenia and Anthelia are different genus and species, but they are from the same family.
They have a very similar visual appearance.
I am concerned on the pulsing issue. I have Xenia, Anthelia, Sinularia, and also Capnella that pulse ( The Capnella is VERY slow in doing so).
I don't think I would assume it's xenia because it pulses.
It would be interesting to have some sent for scientific ID to verify this debate.
Who out there has the facilities to do so?
I have this same coral, which appears purplish- blue, with yellow highlights. It also pulses. Everyone locally concures that it is Anthelia.
The yellow coloration seems to vary dependent on Sulfate concentration in my system. That is purely my personal opinion/ observation......

[chrisaggie]

Man, I would LOVE to have it IDed, but I don't think anyone does that. My guess is that I'll never ID it.

[Juan-Carlos]

We've gotten no where with this coral Chris!! O_O

Everyone locally in Arizona concures that it is Anthelia, while everyone locally in Florida concures it is Xenia.

It is a nice yellow in my tank for what it's worth, but I think it depends on lighting; under lower lighting it dosen't look as yellow.

What ever it is it sure is awesome!! A very cool softie in my opinion.

Regards,

-Jc

[wantsalotta]

Its anthelia


sorry, chrisaggie, but it is anthelia. A nice looking anthelia at that.

[chrisaggie]

Originally posted by wantsalotta
Its anthelia


sorry, chrisaggie, but it is anthelia. A nice looking anthelia at that.

It is statements like this that get us no where. Why do you think it's anthelia vs. xenia?