Acropora sp. with Long Polyps

Acropora (Acropora sp.), just added to display tank. Picture taken December 2005, Nikon D70 Digital SLR, Sigma 105mm Macro lens This is a unidentified species of Acropora. It has amazing polyp extension which caught my eye at the store. I’m not exactly sure what color this is, but I hope it colors up over time.

Acropora (Acropora sp.), couple weeks later, viewed from above. Picture taken December 2005, Nikon D70 Digital SLR, Sigma 105mm Macro lens This coral has colored up nicely from the shade of brown it had when I first got it. New signs of growth can be seen in just 3 weeks since it was added.

Acropora (Acropora sp.), two months later. Picture taken February 2006, Nikon D70 Digital SLR, Sigma 105mm Macro lens I still do not see significant growth from this species. However, I am very happy with the color and the polyp extension is just amazing with this coral.

Acropora (Acropora sp.), four months later. Picture taken June 2006, Nikon D70 Digital SLR, Sigma 105mm Macro lens Finally starting to show some new growth. It is a slow grower compared to other acropora species however, this is a very dense growth form. The color in person is a vivid neon green. It looks like a brilliant green that actinics produce even with the daylight halides on.

Acropora (Acropora sp.), four months later. Picture taken June 2006, Nikon D70 Digital SLR, Sigma 105mm Macro lens As viewed from above. It is interesting to note that when the tank lights are off and only the ambient room lighting is used this coral is very light tan. UPDATE: This coral bleached out in a heat-wave during July 2006. It was broken up into several frags to save some part of it… all frags were lost as well.