Anyone know what this is? Is it legal? Looks cool though..

[stnmtn01]

Hi guys,
I bought a red tree sponge and this was attached to bottom of it. Does anyone know what it is? The LFS said it was an illegal coral to keep captive.. Sorry this is the best picture I can take..

 

[michealprater]

I have two in my tank. Harmless coral. I think they are called astringia, but I am not sure.

 

[sumphead]

It is harder to ID individual polyps but I am fairly sure it is a Boulder Star Coral - Monstastrea annularis or Great Star Coral - Montastraea cavernosa both native to the Gulf of mexico. Not illegal at all, though they may be illegal to harvest depending on location. They are actually common hitchhikers on Florida aquacultured live rock. With luck it will grow into a nice colony. It almost look anemone-ish with the soft clear tentacles. I have several and think they are rather cool.

R-

 

[reefrunner69]

Looks like Astrangia sp or Phyllangia sp to me, quite common on aquacultured LR.

 

[Guest]

I have several in my tank, very good looking but deadly to floating creatures..

"""Man, did not even realize that my avatar was the same picture I uploaded"""" Sorry....

 

[fishfreek]

The LFS said it was an illegal coral to keep captive

Hm. Its not like the coral police are going to come by and conficate the sponge or arrest you or anything.

 

[got bait?]

don't let reefrunner see this thread.
JK Kevin

 

[fishfreek]

To late.