Positive ID help

[nm reef]

Recently the owner of my favorite LFS turned me on to this frag that he took in from another customer. He claims that it is a type of montipora and some type of SPS...Personally I thought maybe it is actually 2 different types of montipora.....some digitata and the plate/encrusting type. Anybody want to help with a positive ID?
I'll post three pics in a row.....tell me what you think...

 

[nm reef]

Pic 2

 

[nm reef]

Pic 3

 

[bang guy]

M. Digitata I'm 99% sure.

 

[musipilot]

I agree NM, that top part looks like a Velvet Finger (Montipora digitata) that has not yet opened its polyps. Here's a site on this particular species where there are some great photos for you to compare.
http://www.globaldialog.com/~jrice/c...e/digitata.htm
I'm not sure what its sitting on, but I'm working on it!

 

[musipilot]

Wow, tough one NM. After some research, the best I can give you is that it is PROBABLY a coral of the porite family. I found several references to montipora growing out of porite bases when there are current or position changes on the reef due to storms or other natural occurance. Chances are you stumbled upon this unique relationship with this pairing. Another suggestion is that both species are porite, a branching and a flat, platelike porite that develops when currents are very strong. Sheesh, wish I could help more!

 

[nm reef]

Thanks for the help...good site you refered me too...thanks. I'm confident that the branching is a montipora digitata...the base may be some type of montipora SP. (possibly even montipora cf. confusa)....I've got pics & info on each in Sprungs "Corals...A Quick Reference Guide"
I don't believe this frag happened naturally...the source attached the seperate montipora digitata's to the plate type montipora. They all seem to be adjusting well...some polyp extension ...especially on the digitata. It was basically a few frag added along with a few other corals I purchased.......time will tell how they do.