In our previous review of octocoral classification, we saw that anywhere from 3–8 orders have traditionally been used to organize this group’s bewildering biodiversity, based on morphological assumptions of increasing complexity within the evolutionary history of these corals. It was…
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Tangerine Coral Beauty flexes its colorific DNA
RVS Fishworld has shown off a Tangerine “super xanthic” Coral Beauty that it just sold to a well-known fish collector. For many of us, a Coral Beauty was our first introduction to dwarf angels, their purple coloration complimenting the yellows…
The New Octocorallia: A Brief Review of Taxonomic Chaos
Soft Corals, Gorgonians, and Sea Pens comprise the Octocorallia, a major branch in the coral tree of life whose 3000+ species come in nearly every shape imaginable. Not surprisingly, this biodiversity has confounded taxonomists for centuries, resulting in no shortage…
Study finds Table Corals are fast to grow but first to go
Scientists at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) have found that some fast-growing coral species on the Great Barrier Reef slow down their growth rates when they are exposed to warmer water. The study, published in the Proceedings of…
Video: Visiting ReefStock Vendor Mile High Corals
ReefStock Denver 2023 is approaching in just under two months so Evan headed out of the Studio to visit Nick from Mile High Corals LLC and see what he was bringing to the show. The first highlight is actually Nick’s…
Two popular corals classified “extreme” in Queensland Fishery risk assessment
Homophyllia cf. australis and Micromussa lordhowensis have been given an extreme risk rating by the Queensland Coral Fishery Ecological Risk Assessment, 2022. In ongoing reforms to the management of the fishery, a harvest strategy has now been implemented based on…
Acropora derawanensis is a true gem!
It’s been a long time since we talked about this very fine coral and recently, during a dive trip, I got lucky and came across one. It’s one of our all-time favorite Acropora and this particular specimen was a lot…
Video: Solomon Coral Reef Paradise
It’s freezing outside for many people and while we’re in limbo between Christmas and New Year, we thought we would seek out some sunshine from one of Jake’s dive videos in the Solomon Islands. Watch our late Managing Editor seamlessly…
Hoshitsutsu’s Grafted Montipora setosa is red as the Rising Sun
Up until now, we admit to losing interest in Montipora setosa, such is its abundance in the hobby, ease of keeping, and frequency in frag form. We used to get offered so much of it in our retail days that…
Acropora horrida has so much aquarium potential
Some species of Acropora can go under the radar for many years until, during a dive, we pass by a large field of them, and wonder why this particular Acro is not in all reef tanks. Acropora horrida is quite…
