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Euphyllia picteti and Euphyllia jardinei... Elegance coral/s 10/22/08 Hi Crew! <Ron> Thanks in advance for your assistance. I wanted to see if someone could help solve a mini mystery or perhaps a case of mild confusion. ;-)~ <Will try> The Elegance coral is often referred to by many variations of genus, species and family names but most include jardinei. I have come across several references to Euphyllia picteti, indicating that this is perhaps the "short tentacled" version/morph of the elegance coral. <Mmm, yes... have seen this> I am beginning to suspect that the picteti may have been a morph that was once deemed a separate species and later it was eliminated and classified as jardinei (similar to the Trachyphyllia and Wellsophyllia scenario). Do you have any insight? Please advise! Ron <")))>< <Only my "best fitting" current opinion: J.E.N. Veron still lists the one species of "Elegance" coral as Catalaphyllia jardinei (Corals of the World)... a monotypic genus... of the family Caryophylliidae... as far as I'm aware there is only one species. The designation here I believe is a nomen nudum... a false, or at least not scientifically established naming... perhaps one of convenient, and/or commercial value. Bob Fenner> Re: Euphyllia picteti and Euphyllia jardinei 10/22/08 Bob, Thanks for your reply. That scenario makes sense. It would be convenient to have a "scientific" name for a short-tentacled species. After all, short stubby tentacles often represent a specimen that has seen better days. ; ) Ron <")))>< <Good point! BobF> Catalaphyllia jardinei hardiness - Adult vs. Juvenile stages? 07/20/2008 Dear WWM Crew, <Trent> I've read somewhere (not sure where, I've tried and failed to find the reference) that it's thought that this species of coral has at least two nearly indistinguishable life stages: a cone-shaped juvenile stage where it lives detached from the reef in deeper waters (20m) and an adult stage where it's brought by currents to grow attached to the reef in shallower waters. <Mmm, actually, the morphology is a function of two principal different collection types... a more shallow, mucky population being distinctly more wedge-shaped, the deeper water ones (same species) less so... among other differences... importantly here/to hobbyists; relative survivability of specimens... the shallow water being much more hardy> This source pretty much agrees with the husbandry of the coral suggested in Bob Fenner's article 'Catalaphyllia; What's Wrong With Your Elegance Coral, Family Caryophylliidae' (low-moderate diffuse light, higher nutrient levels, low-moderate water flow, horizontal placement, etc). However, the source claims that the 'adult' form is hardier than the 'juvenile' form and the two forms can be easily distinguished because the adult's calcareous skeleton will have obvious damage incurred during its breaking from the rest of the reef by the harvester. <Mmm... better to seek out specimens that are entire/whole... not sections that have been broken from a larger/parent> Evidence suggesting that this may contain some truth can be found at www.liveaquaria.com. On this site they offer this coral from 'eastern Asia' and 'Australia.' The skeleton of the form off Asia is undamaged because it lived detached from the reef, but the form found off Australia has damage to its skeleton because it had to be broken from the reef. <Really... want to emphasize to hobbyists that the "free" phaceloid specimens of this species are MUCH more suitable for their use, purchase than pieces of attached colonies that have been broken off... Is this clear?> They claim that the 'Aussie' coral is hardier than the other (which is reflected in its price) and that the damage to the skeleton will not be detrimental to the living animals. <Mmmm> What's your take on this juvenile v. adult theory? <Is bunk... not an age difference at all, but habitat, developmental. Attached colonies (similar to Goniopora... stokesi if you will) may be "older" but not necessarily... they are less appropriate (survival wise) likely due to damage in collection mostly> It seems to me that this would agree with the history of success of these animals being kept in aquariums. About a decade ago this coral was generally considered very hardy, but as time went on (and the depth at which these animals were harvested grew deeper due to limited supply) hobbyists tended to think the coral was becoming more difficult to maintain. It would seem that the hardier 'adults' were all harvested at the shallower depths and the harvesters were now going for the more delicate 'juveniles' at greater depths. <The historical data is such...> Last questions: I'm planning a species-specific aquarium for this coral and I was wondering, would a 70W MH be too strong/concentrated for these animals if the tank's depth is only 17in? Would a couple of PCLs be better? <Mmm, either could be made to work... adaptation of the specimen to either is encouraged... with shading...> How much (lbs/gallon) live rock would you recommend? <As much as is reasonable, looks nice to you... Again, I would not be fastidious re nutrient levels per se, would use a good deal of very fine material, mud...> The tank I have is, for some reason, called a 95 wide at 48inX24inX17in, but its actual volume is closer to 85 gallons. Trent W. P.S. - I just ordered the new edition of the 'Conscientious Marine Aquarist' and I can't wait to read it. <I do hope/trust you will enjoy this second ed.. Bob Fenner> Creature ID - 2/11/03 I have a green hammer coral about 4 to 5 inch. in diameter and on the side off the hard calcified part there is a hard growth about 1 inch in diameter with a fleshy part all around the edge that sticks out about an 8th.of an in. all around that can contract. it is the same color as the tentacles on the coral I've read that these coral sometimes reproduce this way ill try and attach a picture <Budding is a very common reproductive strategy in this family of corals. The pictures sent, alas, did not come through clear at all. Do examine the growth up close with a magnifying glass or jewelers loop. A budding coral is unmistakable. Best regards, Anthony> |
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