ID this coral please

[acrid]

Hi,
I bought a frag of a cool coral awhile ago. I asked the name, but the guy just said to "treat it like xenia." It is definately NOT xenia though, at least not the ugly brown kind, or pompom. Anyway, my sexy shrimp started hosting it, then an electric blue hermit pulled the rock it was attached to off my main rock. After that it pulled in and died. When it was open, it had large purple flowery hands & thick stalks. The picture is after it closed up a bit, not when it was in it's prime.

I was thinking maybe Anthelia? Isn't that related/similar to xenia? But no pictures I find look like it. I really loved the way it looked, and would like to get more if only I can find out what it is!
Thanks!

 

[bonesnapper]

Looks like a Blue Carnation Coral.

 

[mx#28]

Definetely from the Xeniidae family, it might be Cespitularia sp. - often called 'Blue Xenia' or 'Blue Cespitularia'

 

[acrid]

MX, I googled that & I do think that is what it was. Now I just need to find another frag!
Thanks!

 

[heart & sole]

looks like a blue xenia thats has its polyps closed

 

[lion_crazz]

I agree. That is exactly what it looks like to me as well.

 

[grabbitt]

Ridiculously blue xenia. Be sure to post a pic when the polyps are open. I'm curious to see if the color is just as deep.

 

[acrid]

Well, I won't be posting another picture because like I said earlier, that frag unfortunately died after being aggravated by shrimps & crabs. I was looking for an ID so I can find/buy another. But the blossoms were that same nice blue-purple when they were extended as they were in that picture closed up. It was gorgeous.
Now that I have an ID I posted a thread at my local club message board looking to buy a frag. I'll be sure to post pictures when I get one!

 

[grabbitt]

Originally Posted by Acrid
http:///forum/post/2587006
Well, I won't be posting another picture because like I said earlier, that frag unfortunately died after being aggravated by shrimps & crabs. I was looking for an ID so I can find/buy another. But the blossoms were that same nice blue-purple when they were extended as they were in that picture closed up. It was gorgeous.
Now that I have an ID I posted a thread at my local club message board looking to buy a frag. I'll be sure to post pictures when I get one!
My mistake. I didn't catch that. I hope you manage to find another frag. It looks like it would be great opened up. I've been looking for some nice new blue xenia myself, since mine disappeared a few months ago.

 

[acrid]

Do you know what caused yours to die? I am assuming mine was due to the shrimp & crabs. But I've read they can be particular to light & flow. Although neither of mine had changed when it closed up.
So far only one person has responded locally. It is a different variety than they one I had. Theirs is a bit paler, and quite a bit more expensive. So the search continues!