There are 2 species of Blasto, Merletti and Welsi. There are many different color varieties in both species. There are several species of acanthastrea(at least 6, but I cant remember exactly how many). They also mave many different color varieties of each species.

If you can find a nice acan, I'd say go for it!

Chris

Rookie question that I've been trying to figure out. What exactly is the difference bewteen wellsi and merletti? When I look at examples of both they look exactly the same to me?


Greg

i THINK that there are just different color variants and one is more rare??? Wellsi i think??? im sure someone else that it more experianced at these will chime in

Good question, I don't know either, but I know where to find out:

http://whelk.aims.gov.au/coralsearch/coralsearch.php

Blastomussa merleti
http://whelk.aims.gov.au/coralsearch...0pages/107.htm

Blastomussa wellsi
http://whelk.aims.gov.au/coralsearch...0pages/108.htm

Merletti have smaller polyps and have a branching type growth, each polyp grows its own little tube, and grows as a colony (think parachute/umbrella type growth, it spreads up and outwards).

Wellsi is a little closer to an acanstrea in overall shape/growth (they're quite different seen side by side).

If you were local I'd say swing on by and have a look, I've got a little corner of my reef with both blastos and two different species of acans.

Andy

I'll try to sum it up quickly. Merleti tends to be less common, although still readily available. The skeletal structure is comprised of branches, one for each polyp.. Many color variations are available.

Wellsi skeletal structure is moreso one piece with the skeleton of each polyp attached together. These tend to be the more typically found blastos, and have many color variations available as well.

Hope this helps!

Chris

Haha I see Andy got to it before me, and I just peeked at those articles.... very good and informative!

Thanks for all the info guys! I think I'm starting to understand a little bit better.

Andy- can you show a photo of the two blastos side by side? That will help me get a better understanding.

Thanks!

Greg

If you look at the two articles, there is a clear difference in skeletal structure in the provided pictures. Just thought I'd let you know, so less hassle for Andy... hehe.

Chris

I'll see if I can get a clear picture, my cameras suck so I'm not making any promises