Coral ID, LPS: Micromussa or Favia or ???

kromix

kromix

Member
So, what is this :
Got it for cheap at a LFS, not completely healthy, some pieces are, trying to nurse it back and would like an I.D, the "unhealthy" parts of the colony are the areas where the skeleton is visible, the meaty parts are the healthier parts...

 
kromix

kromix

Member
The question is to identify the species.......
How can you tell the difference between Favia and Micrmussa?
 
reefforbrains

reefforbrains

Active Member
I am sure there is a textbook answer to this but I have always just trusted my own judgment for the most part.
Favia- or Closed brain, Lunar, Lunar brains, Moon Coral, etc etc (whatever you want to call it) it has smaller mouths with cleaner separation between lip and center. Also finer lines that run towards the centers. The skeletal structure shows through the coral more.
Micromussa- Has thicker flesh and more distinguished lines that run towards the center. With less skeletal showing through. The individual cells are more defined and have more detail.
Others will chime in and correct me if wrong, but that is what I go by.
I see Favia in your picture. JMO
 
kromix

kromix

Member
Yea it looks pretty meaty, and when I put food on it when it's tentacles are out it puffs up even more when eating......
I was under the impression Favia's are not meaty at all right?
 
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