My LFS is offering me a coral, and I've been trying to identify it. From all of the pictures I've seen, I'm pretty sure it's either a Pavona sp. or Galaxea sp. Are there any defining characteristics that can separate the two just from looking? I'm thinking if it's the LPS Galaxea, I might take it; the only concern I have is with light intensity. I am planning to add another 65w PC bulb though, so that might be OK. My tank is roughly 18" tall, and I could place it 12" away from the current 65w light if I got it. I'll try and take some pics of it if I can today

P.S. Do you think the two corals have much different lighting requirements?

Their growth patterns are different in appearance. Can you get a pic? Galaxeas are MEAN. Their sweepers get to about a foot... measure that out. That's how far away yuou would have to keep other corals. And their sting is one of the worst.

here is a picture, and i'm not sure if it is 'cactus-like' or what... anyone care to guess?

K, that's not a pavona.... unless it's a crazy one I've never seen before. Can you make the polyps contract so I can see the skeleton... it's the only way to know for sure

I'll have to take it to do that... they said there is a shipment coming in today and they have to get rid of it asap, so I might just go get it and see if I can get the polyps to contract... from what i remember, the skeleton is white with polyps about 5-10 mm apart, 2-3 mm high, and they look kind of sharp with a bunch of points

Yes, that's what the Galaxea would look like. The pavona would be smooth with polyps contracted.

Don't let anyone pressure you into buying something on their schedule. If you weren't going to buy it they would just move it on over when the new shipment came in. They won't throw it away or send it back.

What size tank would this go in?

A galaxia would be fine under 65w pc's. My galaxia was one of my first corals and they are easy to take care of. The sweepers will go in the direction of the flow, so I usually keep corals about 4" away on one side.

so is this a galaxea in your opinion Gwen?

It looks just like mine.

Thanks very much. I picked it up earlier today, for FREE, and it seems to be doing alright... I only have two other corals, zoas, and they are not real close to it so it should be ok for now. I also read that the galaxea coral's sting doesn't have a strong effect on soft corals, and is mainly harmful to other stoney corals. Is this true?

free is a great deal- congrats!!

hmmm I've seen it too close to zoas and they were a little upset. I would keep it away from all corals.

I love wetwetmedia.com

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/galaxy faqs.htm (http://www.wetwebmedia.com/galaxycfaqs.htm)

Thanks, good information there... it's in an area with medium rotating flow under a hydor-flo and with rock backing it so hopefully that will keep the sweepers fairly small