Please help identify...

[seahorsemama]

We got a coral frag a long time ago and was told it was a fire coral. We had our doubts but took their word for it. As time went on, it wasn't growing at all. We moved it closer to the top (more light) of the tank with direct flow of water, and it started spreading and growing very quickly. So fast in fact that we have to move it back down so it slows down a little! Anyway, we have had people telling us it is a hydnafora or montipora. I've attached pictures. Please help and give your input. I have done a lot of research and now truly believe it is a fire coral, but if anyone (more experienced) has any ideas or reasons to believe it is something else, please help us!!! Thanks in advance. Firs

 

[flower]

Welcome to the site. To start with, did you handle the coral with your bare hands? Fire coral is so named not for the color, or the shape... but the sting it packs. You would never be able to touch a fire coral and you would remember if you even accidently touched it.

 

[spanko]

Don't know what the first picture is but the second one could be a montipora digitata.

 

[bang guy]

It's definately what's commonly called Fire Coral.
It's actually a hydrozoan and not a coral. More closely related to a jellyfish that a Montipora.

 

[seahorsemama]

Quote:
Originally Posted by spanko http:///forum/thread/381975/please-help-identify#post_3330765
Don't know what the first picture is but the second one could be a montipora digitata.
Spanko: The first and second picture are the same coral. First one is when it is "eating" and the second one is when its just... not eating?! LOL.

 

[seahorsemama]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower http:///forum/thread/381975/please-help-identify#post_3330755

Welcome to the site. To start with, did you handle the coral with your bare hands? Fire coral is so named not for the color, or the shape... but the sting it packs. You would never be able to touch a fire coral and you would remember if you even accidently touched it.
Thanks for the warm welcome! Yes I have handled the coral with my bare hands. It was super small when we got it, and would just dull out. I researched it and it said that smaller fire corals don't have the bad sting its when it gets bigger that it creates the stinging tenticles. Now that being said, as its getting bigger if I go to move it, it feels warm. Not so much a sting... but it feels warm(ish)... so I fully believe if we let it get real big it will "burn" LOL.
Thanks again for the help!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bang Guy http:///forum/thread/381975/please-help-identify#post_3330771
It's definately what's commonly called Fire Coral.
It's actually a hydrozoan and not a coral. More closely related to a jellyfish that a Montipora.
Isn't Fire Coral and hydrozoan the same thing (even though its not a coral)... It is in real lamens terms sort of like an encrusting jellyfish. HAHA! Anyway, thank you for your help and knowledge! By the way, I love your quotes in your signature! LOL, deffinatly the ANEMONE one! =)