Help ID Blue Coral

[im1time]

I just picked up this coral at 6th Avenue Aquarium but they could not tell me the name. Can anybody help ID this coral? It looks like blue fingers and is a smooth soft coral. I don't know how to care for it. Two of the finger tips now have something coming out of it. Looks like something is squeezing out of the tip. I have no idea if the coral is dying with the tips erupting or if it is doing well. My guess is that it is not doing well.

Attached files /attachments/sites/default/files/blue coral_0.JPG

 

[seminolecpa]

I just picked up this coral at 6th Avenue Aquarium but they could not tell me the name.

This was probably your first mistake. This store is not know for the healthiness of their livestock.

Looks like it could be some sort of a sponge perhaps? Uncertain.

 

[im1time]

I think I was updating the picture when you posted. A picture should be attached now.

 

[LeviT]

I would say a it's a devils finger if I had to guess. ....but it is a lot stubbier..... so maybe not.

 

[seminolecpa]

Ok I have an updated guess but I am by no means a softy expert. Think it might this

http://www.saltwaterfish.com/Blue-Palm_p_844.html

 

[LeviT]

http://www.saltwaterfish.com/Blue-Palm_p_844.html

+1
Thanks total sense based on what you described and the smooth cylindrical shape.

 

[im1time]

I think you nailed it! I am 99.9% sure that is it.

I know 6th Avenue doesn't have the the best livestock but this one looked pretty cool. I figured I would give it a shot for $20. Thanks!!!

 

[divebetter]

Looks like this guy alright http://www.oceanproaquatics.com/shop/blue-palm-lollypop-tunicate-nephtheis-fascicularis-heads-pi-19727.html Blue Palm, Neptheis fascicularis . If it's this guy then it's not a coral at all, it's a tunicate. I don't think it has any photosynthetic capability, symbiotic or otherwise, so it will require targeted plankton feeding in most tanks, see also here http://www.coralscience.org/main/videos/urochordata-2/neptheis-fascicularis and here http://www.blogster.com/madcaptains/reef-info-neptheis-fascicularis . I would try something like this http://www.dtplankton.com/phytoplankton.html or this http://www.google.com/products?q=liquidlife+marine+plankton&btnG=Search+Products&show=dd&scoring=p - I couldn't find any food recommendations from someone who was keeping one alive- maybe contact the coralscience people info@coralscience.org? Best of luck with it and let us know how it goes!

 

[Western_reefer]

Its a Nephtheis fascicularis that lost its heads..

 

[GreshamH]

Looks like this guy alright http://www.oceanproaquatics.com/shop/blue-palm-lollypop-tunicate-nephtheis-fascicularis-heads-pi-19727.html Blue Palm, Neptheis fascicularis . If it's this guy then it's not a coral at all, it's a tunicate. I don't think it has any photosynthetic capability, symbiotic or otherwise, so it will require targeted plankton feeding in most tanks, see also here http://www.coralscience.org/main/videos/urochordata-2/neptheis-fascicularis and here http://www.blogster.com/madcaptains/reef-info-neptheis-fascicularis . I would try something like this http://www.dtplankton.com/phytoplankton.html or this http://www.google.com/products?q=liquidlife+marine+plankton&btnG=Search+Products&show=dd&scoring=p - I couldn't find any food recommendations from someone who was keeping one alive- maybe contact the coralscience people info@coralscience.org? Best of luck with it and let us know how it goes!

Broadcast feeding IME if the preferred method of feeding them. Target feeding phytoplankton typically overwhelms the target with too many phyto cells.

No comment on you choices of food :lol:

 

[im1time]

I think it is doing well. I read that they lose their heads and grow back on a regular basis. It has already completed this cycle one time. Here is a current photo.




Attached files /attachments/sites/default/files/photo_5.JPG