Coral Dyeing

[olsenjb]

I started a previous thread about an orange fungia I was concerned had been dyed by a coral farmer. But, my question is are there particular corals that are known to often get dyed by coral farmers? Is this a common practice that we should be aware of? Is our only defense knowing all color variations that any particular corals come in, or are there other tell-tale signs when a coral has been dyed? Thanks.

 

[olsenjb]

Bump....

 

[olsenjb]

Anyone....

 

[adrian]

Yes, unfortunately its becoming a more common practice to dye corals. I have seem mostly Capanella, and Sinularia dyed in bright yellows, pinks, and blues, but in theory any coral can be dyed. Usually the coral either bleaches and eventually dies, or it will regain its natural color. Are you sure it was dyed though, there is a certain "plate", Cycloseris sp., that can be found in very bright colors. Heres one I had a couple of years back, the pic really dosnt do it justice, it was bright orange with purple tips:

 

[olsenjb]

Thanks for the info. No, I'm not sure it was dyed. In fact, I am beginning to think that my plate is a true color. But, I was just more curious in general if there are certain species that get dyed more often than others that we should watch out for. Thanks again.