ID help please

[ghofmann]

This piece of coral came to me with a frag of zoas attatched to it. Since I put it in my tank it seems to be extending and opening very well. The big part is about the size of a dime. I just have no idea what it is. Maybe a monti?

Also what do you think the chances of saving it are?

[Reefland]

Very interesting piece Greg, the orange polyp centers are really cool! Does it appear to be encrusting more of the rock?

[ghofmann]

The rock is actually part of the skeleton. It had receded to the point it's at now, and is apperantly trying to make a comeback.
Here's a better picture of the whole skeleton it looks to be some type of branching coral.

[Samper]

With those polyps extended like that I think it looks pretty healthy. Maybe an encrusting Monti?

[kevinpo]

Hello,
Excellent photos!
IMO it is an encrusting Montipora sp. They are common on live rock that has been well cared for. A very hardy coral that will do well in a wide variety of lighting and flow conditions. Under high magnification the polyps are very symetrical and look like small flowers.

Regards,
Kevin

[ghofmann]

Thanks Kevin. I believe your right thats just what the polyps look like, little flowers.
Should I be feeding it too?

[kevinpo]

They only require that calcium and alkalinity be kept near NSW levels.

Regards,
Kevin