Can SPS have dual polyp color?

michika · #1 07-26-2007, 07:44 PM

Can SPS (acropora) have more then one polyp color?

This is a photo of one of my colonies, and it has brown and light blue polyps distributed all over. There is no patern to the placement of the colors, for example all the blue polyps aren't exclusively found at the tips.

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I haven't been able to find anything about this in any of my books. Has anyone else seen this, or know if its "normal"? The coral seems fine, good polyp extension, good coloration, etc.

Snappy · #2 07-26-2007, 08:18 PM

Catherine,
My best guess for this is Acropora tumida although it is hard to get an accurate ID from the photo. There are so many varieties and so much reticulate evolution that occurs from one area to the next it is very hard to say what the exact species is, however to deal more directly with your question, although this species isn't necessarily known for it's twin coloured polyps there are a lot of cool colour morphs that can happen in many corals, especially sps and it appears you have an oddity/rarity with the bicolour polyps. Sweet piece, I think it's a keeper.

That said, it may also be that the polyps are just slowly turning colour and may eventually become more uniform. How big is the coral and how long have you had it? And was it always like that?

michika · #3 07-26-2007, 08:39 PM

I've had the colony for about a year, maybe a bit more. Its about 4" tall with a rather wide reach. All the branches are quite thick. The color has pretty much stayed the same for as long as I had it. Overall the colony is a mint green with ice blue tips. Its a very slow grower, and doesn't change very much.

My book doesn't even have Acropora tumida listed. I think its time to order me some more books! Would a full-colony shot help for better identification?

Snappy · #4 07-26-2007, 11:11 PM

Quote:

My book doesn't even have Acropora tumida listed. I think its time to order me some more books! Would a full-colony shot help for better identification?

Yes that would help and for a good coral book I recommend "Corals of the World" by J.E.N. Veron Vol 1-3
Here is a link for A tumida although once I see a full colony shot my id prognosis may change
http://www2.aims.gov.au/coralsearch/...0pages/558.htm

bv_reefer · #5 07-26-2007, 11:18 PM

-not the most common sight, but the colony looks real nice none the less.

michika · #6 07-26-2007, 11:38 PM

From the front of the tank

From the side

Don't mind the crazy green hair algae. I also *really* need a new camera!