KEY
SP = Generic Species

CDF = Captive Difficulty
0 - 5   0 = Beginner,  3 = Experienced,   5 = Advanced

FLL = Florescent lighting
0 - 9    0 = 1.5 watts/gal  5 = 4.5 watts/gal     9 = 7.5 watts/gal

DFF = Distance from Florescent  lights 0 - 36 inches

MHL = Metal Halide lighting
0 - 9    0 = 1 watt/gal   5 = 3 watts/gal  9 = 5 watts/gall

DFM = Distance from Metal halides   0 - 36 inches

WCU = Water current level
0 - 9    0 = Stagnant    5 = Medium   9 = Turbulent

HAC = Hair algae compatibility
0 - 9    0 = None          5 = Some    9 = Heavy

---

FOD = Food source
sym = symbiotic algae
mpl = micro plankton
zpl = zoo plankton
lfd = liquid coral food
chf = chunk frozen foods

ADD = Additives required
str = strontium
cal = calcium
iod = iodine
irn = iron
vit = vitamins
mlb = molybdenum
ptm = potassium

Goniopora   [ Flowerpot or daisy]
                   Goniopora are similar to Alveopora, except that Goniopora have
                       24 tentacles on each polyp, and Alveopora has 12.
    Lobata - [Flowerpot] Medium polyp. Skeleton shapes are varied
                       very difficult and rarely kept more than two years.
                      Flower like polyps extend out from the base.
                      cdf = 9, fll = 5 - 9, dff = < 20, mhl = 0 - 7, dfm = < 30
                      wcu = 1- 6, hac = 0, fod = sym.

      Stokesi - [Flowerpot] medium polyp, longer polyps than Lobata
                    [10 - 15 cm]. Polyps extend out very far. Brown, Gray,
                         green, or blue. Skeleton is spherical or half spherical in shape.
                         cdf = 9, fll = 5 - 9, dff = < 20, mhl = 0 - 7, dfm = < 30
                         wcu = 2 - 6, hac = 0, fod = sym - zpl.

  Alveopora [flower]
            Sp. - Medium polyp. Very similar to Goniopora but polyp tentacles
                       are shorter. Brown or bluish. Stung by Euphyllia and Plerogyra.
                      Alveopora has 12 tentacles on each polyp while Goniopora has 24.
                      cdf = 7, fll = 5 - 9, dff = < 20, mhl = 0 - 7, dfm = < 25
                      wcu = 2 - 6, hac = 0, fod = sym.

Family pocilloporidae
  pocillopora [Cauliflower stony]
             Sp. - Very small polyp. UV pigments green, turquoise or pink.
                     Most are arborescent, occasionally massive encrusting.
                     Branched ecomorphs have round tips.
                     cdf = 9, mhl = 5 - 9, dfm = < 15, wcu = 3 - 7, hac = 0,
                     fod = sym - zpl, add = cal - str.

Seriatopora [Bush]
          Sp. - Small polyp. pink, white, brown or green. Long slender and
                     tapered branches. Stung by Actinodiscus and Cladiella. Can
                     be propagated by fragmentation.
                     cdf = 5, mhl = 4 - 9, dfm = < 15, wcu = 3 - 7, hac = 0
                     fod = sym - zpl, add = cal - str

Family Acroporidae
   Acropora [Finger and branch]
          Sp. - Small polyp. Most have branching ecomorphs. Rare massive
                     and encrusting growths occur. Branching forms include stag horns
                     clusters, plates and tables. Colors include blue, green, purple,
                     pink, cream, yellow, brown or red. Well over 100 species exist.
                     Can be propagated by fragmentation. Stung by Actinodiscus.
                     cdf = 8, mhl = 4 - 9, dfm = < 15, wcu = 4 - 9, hac = 0
                     fod = sym - zpl, add = cal - str.

   Palmata - [Elkhorn] Atlantic. Stout thick branches or encrusting. Flattened
                     horizontally. Can be fragmented.
                     cdf = 8, mhl = 4 - 9, dfm = < 15, wcu = 4 - 9, hac = 0
                     fod = sym - zpl, add = cal - str.

   Cervicornis - [Stag horn] Atlantic. Long thin branches. Very rapid growth rate.
                     cdf = 8, mhl = 4 - 9, dfm = < 15, wcu = 4 - 9, hac = 0
                     fod = sym - zpl, add = cal - str.

Family Faviidae
     Favia [Moon or Star]
             Sp. - Medium polyp. Leaf, flat or half sphere forms. Polyps in large
                     cups. Tentacles unfold at night. Brown, white or yellow. UV
                     pigments green. can sting other corals with tentacles or secretions.
                     cdf = 4, fll = 4 - 9, dff = < 20, mhl = 0 - 6, dfm = < 24
                     wcu = 3 - 7, hac = 2, fod = sym - zpl, add = cal - str.

    Favites [Moon or Star]
             Sp. - Medium polyps. Leaf, flat or half sphere forms polyps in large
                     cups. Tentacles unfold at night. Brown, pink or red. UV pigments
                     green. Can sting other corals with tentacles or secretions.
                     cdf = 4, fll = 4 - 9, dff = < 18, mhl = 0 - 6, dfm = < 23
                     wcu = 3 - 7, fod = sym - zpl, add = cal - str.

Leptoria [Closed brain]
      Phrygia - Small polyps. Massive growths. Tentacles retracted during the
                     day. Green or brown. Patterned valleys.
                     cdf = 5, fll = 5 - 9, dff = < 18, mhl = 0 - 3, dfm = < 35
                     wcu = 2 - 7, hac = 0, fod = sym - zpl, add = cal - str.

Deploria [Closed brain]
            Sp. - Massive and rounded. Can be flattened or encrusted. Yellow
                     brown, gray brown or greenish. Tentacles expand out at night.
                     cdf = 5, fll = 5 - 9, dff = < 18, mhl = 0 - 3, dfm = < 35
                     wcu = 2 - 7, hac = 0, fod = sym - zpl, add = cal - str.

 Manicina [Folded]
      Areolata - Large polyps. Very similar to Trachyphyllia geofroyi. Tentacles
                     extend at night.
                     cdf = 3, fll = 5 - 9, dff = < 19, mhl = 0 - 3, dfm = < 35,
                     wcu = 4 - 8, hac = 0, fod = sym - zpl - chf, add = cal - str.

Caulastrea [Tooth]
             Sp. - Large polyps. Branching coral. Each branch end has a large
                     rounded polyp. Tentacles extend out at night. Green, gray,
                     brown and blue. Similar to some Euphyllia species.
                     cdf = 5, fll = 3 - 9, dff = < 19, mhl = 0 - 3, dfm = < 34
                     wcu = 4 - 8, hac = 0, fod = sym - zpl, add = cal - str.

Family Oculinidae
 Galaxea [Crystal or Scalpel]
      Fascicularis - [Crystal or Galaxy] Medium polyps. Small rounded heads.
                     UV pigments green. Tentacles extended during the day.
                     cdf = 7, mhl = 0 - 6, dfm = < 34, wcu = 4 - 8, hac = 0,
                     fod = sym - zpl, add = cal - str.

Family Agariciidae
  Pachyseris [Phonograph record]
        Speciosa - Large polyp. Valleys form grooves. Red or green natural
                     pigments.
                     cdf = 4, fll = 4 - 9, dff = < 22, mhl = 0 - 3, dfm = < 34,
                     wcu = 4 - 8, hac = 0, fod = sym - mpl, add = cal - str.

Family Caryophylliidae
    Euphyllia [Bouquet]
         Fimbriata - [Hammer, Anchor or Ridge] Large polyp. Straight tentacles
                     with U shaped or hammer shaped tips. Can extend tentacles
                     out very far and sting other corals.
                     cdf = 6, fll = 4 - 9, dff = < 22, mhl = 0 - 7, dfm = < 35
                     wcu = 3 - 7, hac = 1, fod = sym - zpl - chf, add = cal - str.

         Crista - [bubble tentacled] Large polyp. Beige or light brown. some are
                     green. Tentacles branch into 3 or more twigs at the end. Rounded
                     tips are white. can extend tentacles out very far and sting other corals.
                     cdf = 5, fll = 4 - 9, dff = < 22, mhl = 0 - 7, dfm = < 34,
                     wcu = 3 - 7, hac = 1, fod = sym - zpl - chf, add = cal - str.

    Glabrescens - [Torch] Large polyp. Straight tentacles with white tips. Can
                     extend tentacles out very far and sting other corals.
                     cdf = 7, fll = 3 - 9, dff = < 23, mhl = 0 - 7, dfm = < 35,
                     wcu = 3 - 7, hac = 1, fod = sym - zpl - chf, add = cal - str.

         Divisa - [Frog spawn, Wall or Vase] Large polyp. Light brown or green.
                     Tentacles sub branch with numerous rounded bumps. These are
                     yellow or white. can extend tentacles out very far.
                     cdf = 5, fll = 4 - 9, dff = < 22, mhl = 0 - 6, dfm = < 34,
                     wcu = 3 - 7, hac = 1, fod = sym - zpl - chf, add = cal - str.

Catalaphyllia [Wonder or Scalloped]
         Jardinei - [Elegance, Meat or Wonder] Large polyp. Tentacles always
                     extended. White or red tips. UV pigment green. Can sting very strongly.
                     cdf = 2, fll = 4 - 9, dff = < 22, mhl = 0 - 7, dfm = < 33
                     wcu = 2 - 7, hac = 0, fod = sym - zpl - chf, add = cal - str.

   Plerogyra [Bladder]
         Sinuosa - [ Bubble or Bladder] Large polyp. Expands to bubble polyps
                     in the day and tentacles at night. Natural pigment white. Can
                     be green or pink. very strong sting.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 3 - 9, dff = < 21, mhl = 0 - 5, dfm = < 35
                     wcu = 2 - 7, hac = 1, fod = sym - zpl - chf, add = cal - str.

Family Mussidae
  Lobophyllia [Umbel]
             Sp - Large polyp. Fleshy mantle. Dark green to olive. Sometimes
                     pinkish or red.
                     cdf = 3, fll = 4 - 9, dff = < 19, mhl = 0 - 2, dfm = < 36
                     wcu = 4 - 8, hac = 0, fod = sym - zpl - chf, add = cal - str.

   Isophyllia [Atlantic Folded]
             Sp - Large polyp. Deep red natural pigment for deep specimens.
                     Beige, green or turquoise for shallow water.
                     cdf = 3, fll = 4 - 9, dff = < 19, mhl = 0 - 2, dfm = < 36
                     wcu = 3 - 7, hac = 0, fod = sym - zpl - chf, add = cal - str.

  Scolymia [Caribbean Goblet]
        Vitiensis - Large one polyp coral. Fleshy mantle. Tentacles out at night.
                     UV pigment green.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 4 - 9, dff = < 18, mhl = 0 - 3, dfm = < 35
                     wcu = 2 - 5, hac = 0, fod = sym - zpl - chf, add = cal - str.

Cynarina [Acanthophyllia] [Goblet]
    Lacrymalis - Large one polyp coral. Fleshy mantle. Tentacles out at night
                     UV pigment green.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 4 - 9, dff = < 18, mhl = 0 - 3, dfm = < 36
                     wcu = 2 - 5, hac = 0, fod = sym - zpl - chf, add = cal - str.

Family Dendrophylliidae
    Tubastrea [Red or yellow cup]
         Aurea - [Red or yellow cup] Natural pigment yellow to shiny orange.
                     Medium large polyp. Tentacles partially extended during the
                     day and fully at night.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 1 - 4, dff = < 28, mhl = none. wcu = 4 - 8
                     hac = 0, fod = zpl - chf, add = cal - str.

    Turinaria [Dish or Crater]
             Sp - Large polyp. Vase shaped, leaf, fans or folds. White, brownish,
                     yellow or green. Tentacles pertially or fully extended during the day.
                     cdf = 5, fll 3 - 9, dff = < 19, mhl = 0 - 3, dfm = < 35, wcu = 2 - 7
                     hac = 0, fod = sym - zpl, add = cal - str.

Family Trachyphylliidae
   Trachyphyllia [ Large polyp or open brain]
         Geofroyi - [ Open brain, Crater or Puff] Large polyps. Natural pigment color
                     gray green, beige brown, rust brown to deep red. UV pigment
                     green, turquoise or blue. Tentacles extended at night.
                     cdf = 3, fll = 3 - 9, dff = < 19, mhl = 0 - 3, dfm = < 34, wcu = 2 - 6
                     hac = 3, fod = sym - zpl - chf, add = cal - str.

Family Fungiidae
    Fungia [Mushroom stony corals]
             Sp - Single large polyp. Pale brown, pink, purple, blue, and green.
                     Short tentacles are usually retracted during the day. Usually round
                     but can take on different ecomorphs. Elongated forms have a
                     groved mouth.
                     cdf = 8, fll 3 - 9, dff = < 18, mhl = 0 - 5, dfm = < 33, wcu = 3 - 8
                     hac = 3, fod = sym - zpl - chf, add = cal - str.

   Heliofungia [ Plate]
     Actiniformis - Single large polyp. Gray, blue, or green long tentacles always
                     extended during the day. Paler tips. Prefers sandy substrate.
                     cdf = 7, fll = 3 - 9, dff = < 19, mhl = 0 - 4, dfm = < 35, wcu = 2 - 7
                     hac = 0, fod = sym - zpl - chf, add = cal - str.

      Polyphyllia [Boomerang]
         Talpina - Large polyp. Extremelly elongated. Tentacles extended during
                     the day and short. Has central groove. Brown or paler in color.
                     cdf = 4, fll = 3 - 9, dff = < 19, mhl = 0 - 5, dfm = < 35, wcu = 3 - 7
                     hac = 0, fod = sym - zpl - chf, add = cal - str.

      Herpolitha [Hedgehog]
         Limax - Large polyp. Extremelly elongated. Tentacles extended during
                     the day and are short. Has central groove. Brown or paler in
                     color. Very similar to Polyphyllia talpina.
                     cdf = 4, fll = 3 - 9, dff = < 20, mhl = 0 - 5, dfm = < 34, wcu = 3 - 7
                     hac = 0, fod = sym - zpl - chf, add = cal - str.

Corallimorpharia [Mushrooms or false corals]
Family Actinodiscidae
    Actinodiscus - [ Disk anemones or Mushroom coral]
      Malaccensis - [Brown or Fuzzy] Surface covered with small bush like morphs.
                     Light or beige brown and gray green. Brown specimens found
                     in deeper water. Gray green will fade if light is to low.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 5 - 9, dff = > 4, mhl = 1 - 4, dfm = < 34, wcu = 1 - 4
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd, add = iod - vit.

        Mutabilis - [Color changing] Light to dusty brown. They are often speckled
                     with green and with irridescent edges. They can change some color.
                     Smooth surface with wide bumps. In nature they are
                     found below 10 meters.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 3 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = < 35, wcu = 1 - 4
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd, add = iod - vit.

      Ferrugatus - [Red brown] Color is from red brown to rust brown. Smooth
                     surface with wide bumps. Do not like direct metal halide light.
                     In nature they exist at around 10 meters.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 3 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = < 35, wcu = 1 - 4
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd, add = iod - vit.

         Ruber - [Reddish fluorescent or metallic red mushrooms] Pink to bright
                     fluorescent red due to UV pigments. Do not like direct metal
                     halide light. Radial grooves and very small bumps on smooth
                     surface.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 4 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = < 36, wcu = 1 - 4
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd, add = iod - vit.

   Nummiferus - [Blurred] From light pink through reddish brown to  a dusty
                     violet. Darker ones occur in shallow waters. Slightly fluorescent.
                     Small bumps on smooth surface.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 4 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = < 36, wcu = 1 - 4
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd, add = iod - vit.

      Cardinalis - [Shiny red] Deep red. Darker red bumps over a smooth surface.
                     Expensive and rare. Likes actinic light but not direct metal halide.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 4 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = < 36, wcu = 1 - 4
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd, add = iod - vit.

   Marmoratus - [Marbled or green marble mushrooms] Found in less than 5 meters.
                     Slightly rough surface with numerous bumps of different color.
                     Do not like direct metal halide light.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 4 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = < 36, wcu = 1 - 3
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd, add = iod - vit.

       Coeruleus - [Shiny blue or metallic blue mushrooms] Smooth blue surface
                     with faint radial lines. Very small bumps can occur. very deep
                     dwelling 20 meters. Never tolerates direct metal halide light.
                     Can expand very large.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 4 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = < 36, wcu = 1 - 4
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd, add = iod - vit.

         Striatus - [Striped] Many different color patterns. beige green ones have
                     symbiotic algae pigment dominate the UV pigment and assimi-
                     lation pigment. Can have perfectly smooth disk or contain small
                     bumps. All have radial brightly colored stripes.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 4 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = < 36, wcu = 1 - 4
                     hac = 2, fod = sym - lfd, add = iod - vit.

       Punctatus - [Dotted] Main surface body smooth and brown. Have very
                     large colorful bumps with UV pigment. Direct metal hailde can be fatal.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 4 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = < 36, wcu = 1 - 4
                     hac = 0, fod = sym - lfd, add = iod - vit.

       Ricordia [Carabbean disk anemones]
         Florida - [Carabbean or flower anemones] Colors range from light green
                     to a very beautiful dark green to blue and orange. Surface is
                     covered with short tentacles which can inflate to become bubble
                     like. Usually found between 10 and 40 feet in the ocean. When
                     tentacles on the rim of the disk are extended it will accept small
                     peices of brine shrimp, etc.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 4 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 5, dfm = < 36, wcu = 1 - 4
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd - chf, add = iod - vit.

Rhodactis [Discosoma] [Elephant ear]
         Viridis - [Green Elephant ear] Luminescent turquoise green tentacle disk.
                     Like a giant fuzzy mushroom.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 4 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 4, dfm = < 36, wcu = 2 - 6
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd - chf, add = iod - vit.

         Neglecta - [Carabbean Elephant ear] Green with some surface radial lines
                     and bumps, along with sharp points on the edge. Can become
                     ballon shaped, greedy eater. Does not like direct MH lighting.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 4 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = < 36, wcu = 1 - 5
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd - chf, add = iod - vit.

  Maeandrinea - [Large or folded Elephant ear] Very large with a diameter greater
                     than 15 cm. Can grow to 40 cm in captivity. Sandy to dark brown
                     or gray green. Smooth disk with smooth tentacles. Does not like
                     strong current or direct metal halide light. Can catch fish or shrimps
                     in ballon like trap.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 4 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = < 36, wcu = 1 - 5
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd - chf, add = iod - str.

        Plumosa - [ Carpet Elephant ear or carpet mushrooms] Large fuzzy coral
                     with bushy tentacles. Will eat some chunk food. Can form a
                     bubble trap.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 4 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = < 35, wcu = 2 - 5
                     hac = 0, fod = sym - lfd - chf, add = iod - vit.

Zoanthiniaria [Zoantharia] [Zoanthidea] 300 species.
   Parazoanthus [Yellow polyps]
            Sp - Small polyps with long thin tentacles. Bright yellow to dark yellow.
                     Polyps not connected.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 4 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 7, dfm = < 24, wcu = 4 - 7
                     hac = 0, fod = sym - lfd - zpl, add = iod - vit.

         Sociatus -  Small circular polyps which have a ring of short tentacles around
                     the rim. Turquoise to yellow green. UV coloration will remain
                     under metal halide or actinic lighting. Polyps connected at base.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 4 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 7, dfm = < 24, wcu = 3 - 7
                     hac = 0, fod = sym - lfd, add = iod - vit.

         Palythoa
            Sp - Larger polyp disk than Zoanthus with long pointy tentacles
                     around the rim. Beige brown, cinnamon to dark milk of coffee
                     brown, gray green ot shiny green. Might not tolerate direct metal
                     halide light. Polyps connected at base.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 4 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 4, dfm = < 36, wcu = 3 - 7
                     hac = 0, fod = sym - lfd, add = iod - vit.

Subclass Alcyonria [Octocorallia]
 Order Alcyonacea [Leather and soft corals]
   Family Alcyonidae
      Alcyonium
         Fulvum - [Yellow encrusting leather] Encrusting beige yellow to ivory
                     colored leather coral often many millimeters thick. Finger like
                     projections develop which have 2 - 5 cm long polyps with 8
                     flower tentacles. Polyps resemble Sarcophyton species polyps.
                     cdf = 2, fll = 7 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 3 - 9, dfm = > 10, wcu = 3 - 6
                     hac = 0, fod = sym - lfd - mpl, add = iod.

      Sarcophyton
            Sp - [Mushroom Leather] Mushroom shaped leather coral. Grows
                     better in fluorescent lighting. Needs adaptation time to tolerate
                     long photoperiods of metal halide lighting. Can be propagated
                     by cuttings. Long polyp stems with small flower like tentacles.
                     cdf = 2, fll = 5 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 5, dfm = > 11, wcu = 4 - 7
                     hac = 2, fod = sym - lfd - mpl, add = iod.

Trocheliophorum - [Trough leather] Very attractive. Folding lobes of leather
                     coral with short polyps. Can double size in one year. May not
                     Tolerate extended metal halide photoperiods and needs adaptation
                     time. Will shed skin regularly. Can be propagated by cutting
                     from the edge lobe. Lives primarily in reef pools and can reach
                     a diameter of more than one meter.
                     cdf = 2, fll = 5 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 5, dfm = > 11, wcu = 4 - 7
                     hac = 2, fod = sym - lfd - mpl, add = iod.

      Lobulatum - [Leather] Flat, Mushroom shaped leather. Medium brown base.
                     Similar to mushroom leather coral with very small polyps and
                     larger overall size. Can be propagated by cuttings of the base.
                     Will become lighter under adequate lighting.
                     cdf = 2, fll = 5 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 5, dfm = > 11, wcu = 4 - 7
                     hac = 2, fod = sym - lfd - mpl, add = iod.

         Latum - Dish like with thick lobate projections. Polyps are beige yellow
                     to shiny green. Shallow water coral. Can be propagated by
                     cuttings. Also similar to Trocheliophorum in morphology.
                     Will grow fast under metal halide lighting.
                     cdf = 2, fll = 5 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 8, dfm = > 11, wcu = 5 - 8
                     hac = 2, fod = sym - lfd - mpl, add = iod.

         Glaucum - Common mushroom shaped coral. Beige to sandy colored or
                     olive to bottle green. May need to be slowly acclimated to
                     bright metal halide lights. Can be propagated by cutting off
                     the entire mushroom cap.
                     cdf = 2, fll = 5 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 5, dfm = > 11, wcu = 5 - 8
                     hac = 2, fod = sym - lfd - mpl, add = iod.

            Sp - Mushroom based leather coral with high upward arching lobed
                     edges. Long pure white polyps. Mushroom from light beige to
                     sandy gray or light yellow in color. Needs lots of light for polyps
                     to extend to 5 cm and have star shaped tentacles. Can be
                     propagated with cuttings.
                     cdf = 3, fll = 5 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 8, dfm = > 11, wcu = 3 - 6
                     hac = 2, fod = sym - lfd - zpl, add = iod.

        Ehrenbergi - Similar to Glaucum. Mostly pure white, occasionally yellowish
                     or greenish gray secondary polyps. Tentacles of the polyps are
                     easily distinguished. Skin sheds less often. Needs slow acclimation
                     to metal halide lighting. Can be propagated by cuttings but is
                     more sensitive.
                     cdf = 2, fll = 5 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 5, dfm = > 11, wcu = 4 - 7
                     hac = 2, fod = sym - lfd - mpl, add = iod.

 Carotalcyon
    Sagamianum - Carrot like leather coral. Deep water orange to crimson red. Has
                     carrot like body appearance with large polyps wich extend out
                     from the body.
                     cdf = 2, fll = 5 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 5, dfm = > 11, wcu = 5 - 8
                     hac = 1, fod = lfd - zpl, add = iod.

     Sphaerella
           Krempfi - [Christmas tree] Resembles evergreen tree and lack symbiotic
                     algae. Brown color. Likes strong current and does best on the substrate.
                     cdf = 3, fll = 2 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = > 15, wcu = 5 - 9
                     hac = 1, fod = lfd - zpl, add = iod.

  Lobophytum
     Pauciflorum - Encrusting leather with lobed, finger shaped and occasionally
                     bushy projections or folds. Can be propagated by cuttings.
                     Grows well under fluorescent lights. Has calcareous needle growths.
                     cdf = 2, fll = 4 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 3, dfm = > 12, wcu = 4 - 7
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd - mpl, add = iod - cal - str.

         Crassum - An encrusting leather coral similar to Pauciflorum. Thicker
                     polyps. Very robust coral. Can be propagated by cuttings.
                     cdf = 2, fll = 4 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 3, dfm = > 11, wcu = 4 - 7
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd - mpl, add = iod - cal str.

        Sinularia
           Sp - Barnching soft coral with flat body on a thick column 3-4 cm
                     tall. Finger like appendages extend from the body and have
                     polyps. They prefer to grow out horizontally. Color is ivory
                     to light gray but under intense light will become symbiotic
                     brown. Occasionally sheds it's skin.
                     cdf = 3, fll = 2 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = > 14, wcu = 5 - 9
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd - zpl - vit, add - iod - cal - str.
 
 

     Macropodia - Branching soft coral with thick fleshed foot and base. Thick
                     branches rise from this base and branch into finger like pro-
                     jections. These are densly covered with polyps. Color is
                     light beige or grayish white to light brown. Sheds skin once a
                     week. Does not like direct metal halide light. Can be propa-
                     gated by cuttings. They contain calcareous needles.
                     cdf = 3, fll = 2 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = > 16, wcu = 5 - 9
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd - zpl - vit, add - iod - cal - str.

     Notanda - This corals morphology lies between the above generic
                     species and Macropodia. Grows well but introduce to
                     metal halides slowly. See Sp. for info.

           Hirta - [Dark brown Sea Hand] Similar to generic species with stybby
                     Fingers and fat knobbed appendages. From shallow water.
                     Grows rapidly under metal halide lights. Color is ivory to
                     cream white when retracted, turns milk coffee brown when
                     extended.
                     cdf = 3, fll = 2 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 3 - 9, dfm = > 7, wcu = 5 - 9
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd - zpl - vit, add - iod - cal - str.

       Prodigiosa - Similar to Macropodia but finger lobes branch out twice into
                     secondary branches. These are thickly set with polyps. see
                     Macropodia for more info.

       Frondosa - Flat crusts with knobbed extentions. Will produce finger like
                     appendages in low current areas. Under intense light will grow
                     long fingers with large polyps. Likes metal halide light.
                     cdf = 3, fll = 2 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 3 - 9, dfm = > 8, wcu = 5 - 9
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd - zpl - vit, add - iod - cal - str.

       Dura - Solid cushion like bodies with burled to stubby finger projections
                     See Sp for more info.

       Brassica - Colonies resemble cauliflower heads. Dark brown polyps on
                     short stalks. Branches and base are creamy white to light beige.
                     cdf = 2, fll = 2 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 3 - 9, dfm = > 8, wcu = 1 - 4
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd - zpl - vit, add - iod - cal - str.

   Asterolobata - Resembles Macropodia. Strong polypless base, column splits
                     itself into two or more secondary columns from which long
                     finger like branches protrude. These branches can devide again.
                     Branches are round and thickly covered with delicate polyps.
                     Will shed skin. Base color is from ivory, light gray or light olive.
                     Will develop UV protection under metal halide light wich is
                     yellowish to greenish and slightly luminescent.
                     cdf = 2, fll = 2 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 3 - 9, dfm = > 8, wcu = 5 - 9
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd - zpl - vit, add - iod - cal - str.

     Polydactyla - [Many fingered] Squat column from 20 to 50 mm tall and is
                     polypless. On upper side of column is a flat polyp area with
                     40 - 50 mm long fingers which are thickly polyped. Base
                     color is gray white to creamy yellow. Polyps are light to dark
                     brown. Under metal halides polyps will become darker and
                     then symbiotic algae is released which lightens the color. Grows
                     well under fluorescent lighting.
                     cdf = 2, fll = 2 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 3 - 9, dfm = > 8, wcu = 5 - 9
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd - zpl - vit, add - iod - cal - str.

       Cladiella
             Sp - Squat column from which many branches extended and divide
                     furthur upward. Base column lacks polyps while they become
                     more dense closer to the ends of branches. Polyps are 3 - 4 cm
                     large. Can be propagated by branch "pinching". Can be acclim-
                     ated to metal halides. Will grow very fast towards the surface
                     of the aquarium. Does not shed skin but will release mucus.
                     Not very compatable with Hexacorillia.
                     cdf = 4, fll = 2 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 3 - 9, dfm = > 8, wcu = 5 - 9
                     hac = 1, fod = sym - lfd - zpl - vit, add - iod - cal - str.

    Alcyonium
            Sp - Bushy or crusty short tree like soft coral. Color is bright yellow,
                     orange or red. Likes shady locations. Can reach 40 - 50 mm tall.
                     cdf = 3, fll = 2 - 7, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = > 15, wcu = 5 - 9
                     hac = 1, fod = lfd - zpl, add = iod - cal - str.

            Sp - Encrusting orange colored bushy soft coral. Very small orange
                     polyps on bushy orange base. Can be propagated by cuttings.
                     cdf = 3, fll = 2 - 7, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = > 15, wcu = 5 - 9
                     hac = 4, fod = lfd - zpl, add = iod - cal - str.

Family Xeniidae
   Xenia [ Also Cespitularia]
            Sp - Large polyps with thin stems connected at the base. Polyps do
                     not fully retract. Very tiny calcareous needles or completely
                     lack skeleton. Polyps can be up to 15 mm long under intense
                     lighting. Tentacles are pinnated. Some will move polyps in
                     rhythmic motion to help exchange gases. Color is beige, cream
                     or light brown.will develop UV protection matter under halides
                     and color will be red, green, blue or irridescent. Can be accli-
                     mated to halides well. Can do well under fluorescent lights if
                     high levels are used. Can overgrow stony corals. Propagate
                     by cuttings.
                     cdf = 5, fll = 6 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 7, dfm = > 10, wcu = 5 - 9
                     hac = 4, fod = sym - lfd, add = iod - cal - str.

     Umbellata - Mushroom shaped with separate polyped branches up to 50
                     mm long. Polyps will open and close in rhythmic fashion.
                     Tentacles are short and wide and form little cups on thin
                     branches. Branches radiate out from base.
                     cdf = 5, fll = 6 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 7, dfm = > 10, wcu = 5 - 9
                     hac = 4, fod = sym - lfd, add = iod - cal - str.

     Elongata - Similar to Xenia Sp. Has a more branched form. See Sp.

 Anthelia gluca - Very similar to Xenia Sp. Has large polyps. colonies grow fast.
                     cdf = 5, fll = 6 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 7, dfm = > 10, wcu = 5 - 9
                     hac = 4, fod = sym - lfd, add = iod - cal - str.

Family Nephteidae
    Litophyton
         arboreum - Standard bushy and tree shaped soft coral. Must be acclimated to
                     metal halides slowly. Will do well under fluorescents. Cab be
                     propagated by cuttings. Pale colors with symbiotic algae. May not
                     be compatable with Hexacorillia.
                     cdf = 3, fll = 6 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 6, dfm = > 10, wcu = 5 - 9
                     hac = 2, fod = sym - lfd - zpl, add = iod - cal - str.

     Nephthea
            Sp - Tall bushy like soft coral. Smooth thick base with numerous small
                     thickly polyped smaller branches extending from main trunks.
                     May not be compatable with Hexacorillia.
                     cdf = 6, fll = 6 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 6, dfm = > 10, wcu = 5 - 9
                     hac = 2, fod = sym - lfd - zpl, add = iod - cal - str.

     Lemnalia
            Sp - Tall tree like soft corals. Polyps are not as dense as Nephthea. Long
                     finger branches extend out from main column. Must be slowly accl-
                     imated to halides. Might not be too compatable with Hexacorillia.
                     cdf = 7, fll = 6 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 6, dfm = > 10, wcu = 5 - 9
                     hac = 2, fod = sym - lfd - zpl, add = iod - cal - str.

Dendronephythya
            Sp - Very colorful tree like corals. Deep water or cave corals which
                     require low lighting and frequent feedings of zooplankton. Will
                     collapse occasionally. Calcareous needles are visible in branches.
                     Thin secondary branches extend from main stem.
                     cdf = 9, fll = 3 - 7, dff = > 10, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = > 20, wcu = 5 - 9
                     hac =2, fod = sym - lfd - zpl, add = iod - cal - str.

     Rubeola - Polyps are very thick on short secondary branches which pro-
                     trude from main column. Prefer sand or silt substrate. Needs
                     frequent feedings and will open polyps if substrate is stirred up.
                     Brightly colored coral from low light areas.
                     cdf = 9, fll = 3 - 7, dff = > 10, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = > 20, wcu = 5 - 9
                     hac = 2, fod = lfd - zpl, add = iod - cal - str.

     Mirabilis - Snowy white polyps exist in thick groups protruding from short
                     secondary branches. Form is similar to Rubeola.
                     No symbiotic algae. Needs very low light.
                     cdf = 9, fll = 3 - 7, dff = > 10, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = > 19, wcu = 5 - 9
                     hac = 2, fod = lfd - zpl, add = iod - cal - str.

Order Gorgonacea [Gorgonians]
   Family Plexauridae
    Anthoplexaura [ also Euplexaura]
            Sp - Flexible thin branched tree like skeleton. Composed of horny
                     or calcareous skeletal elements. Polyps embeded in crusty layer
                     of living material which surrounds skeleton. This gorgonian
                     species has few branches and are thickly polyped. Some
                     species from the caribbean sea contain symbiotic algae. will
                     shed skin. Polyps are up to 5 mm long. Only feed zooplankton
                     when polyps are open. Can stirr up sediment to entice polyps
                     to open.
                     cdf = 6, fll = 3 - 7, dff = > 10, mhl = 1 - 2, dfm = > 20, wcu = 4 - 8
                     hac = 0, fod = lfd - zpl, add = iod - cal - str.

  Family Gorgonidae
           Eugorgia
            Sp - Very similar to Plexauridae. Branches are thicker.
                     cdf = 5, fll = 3 - 7, dff = > 10, mhl 1 - 2, dfm = > 20, wcu = 4 - 8
                     hac = 0, fod = lfd - zpl, add = iod - cal - str.

Order Stolonifera [Pipe corals]
  Family Tubiporidae [Organ pipe corals]
  Tubipora musica - [Red organ pipe ] Flower like polyps in red tube like calcareous
                     systems. Will do well under metal halides. Colonies should be
                     whole and not broken off.
                     cdf = 2, fll = 7 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 3 - 9, dfm = > 10, wcu = 3 - 6
                     hac = 0, fod = sym - lfd, add = cal - str.

Family Clavulariidae
  Clavularia viridis - [Green pipe, green star polyps] Encrusting colonies of small
                     pipe shaped flower polyps. The tentacles are very bright green
                     and a calcareous webbing connects the polyp stems. Coral is
                     found in fist sized colonies existing in shallow water.
                     Coral will maintain bright green color under metal halides.
                     cdf = 2, fll = 5 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 9, dfm = > 10, wcu = 4 - 8
                     hac = 0, fod = sym - lfd, add = cal - str.

Family Cornulariidae
       Cornularia Sp - [Brown pipe] Encrusting colonies of small pipe shaped flower
                     polyps. The tentacles are brown and lack the calcareous webbing
                     found in Clavularia viridis. A horny protective shell is built
                     around stolon.
                     cdf = 2, fll = 5 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 9, dfm = > 10, wcu = 4 - 8
                     hac = 0, fod = sym - lfd, add = cal - str.

Order Telestacea [Branched pipe corals]
 Family Telestidae
   Coelogorgia
            Palmosa - [Branched pipe] Appears like branching gorgonian corals.
                     Branches have short stems from which polyps extend.
                     cdf = 2, fll = 5 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 9, dfm = > 9, wcu = 5 - 9
                     hac = 0, fod = sym - zpl, add = cal - str.

Order Pennatulacea [Sea pens]
 Family Veretillidae
   Cavernularia
            obesa - [Sea pen] Cylinder shaped coral from which large tentacles
                     extend. Color can be orange, yellow, buff or white. These
                     animals are not very compatable to reef tanks, dues to the
                     half sessile existence. They require a thick substrate.
                     cdf = 3, fll = 3 - 8, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 3, dfm = > 20, wcu = 2 - 5
                     hac = 0, fod = zpl, add = iod - cal - str.

Order Coenothecalia
 Family Helioporidae [Blue coral]
    Heliopora
            coerulea - [Blue coral] Beige to olive colored coral. Smooth surface
                     with small calices. Polyps are hair thin tubes about 1 mm
                     long. Very small tentacles. Sheds skin. Grows very well
                     under metal halide lights. Shapes can consist of knobs
                     columns, fingers or thick lobe. Dead corals are blue colored.
                     cdf = 4, fll = 5 - 9, dff = > 5, mhl = 1 - 9, dfm = > 10, wcu = 3 - 7
                     hac = 0, fod = sym - mpl, add = cal - str.

Tridacna Maxima - Purple, blue, green, pink, or combination of all.
                     cdf = 3, fll = 5 - 9, dff = < 18, mhl = 1 - 7, dfm = > 8
                     wcu = 1 - 5, hac = 5, fod = sym, add = cal - str.

  Tridacna Crocea - Purple, blue, green, or a combination of all.
                     cdf = 5, fll = 5 - 9, dff = < 6, mhl = 1 - 7, dfm = > 5
                     wcu = 1 - 5, hac = 5, fod = sym, add = cal - str.

Tridacna squamosa - Brown, yellow, usually with green rim, black and red.
                     cdf = 3, fll = 5 - 9, dff = < 17, mhl = 1 - 7, dfm = > 5
                     wcu = 1 - 5, hac = 5, fod = sym, add = cal - str.

Tridacna deresa - Brown, sometimes with green stripes.
                     cdf = 1, fll = 5 - 9, dff = < 18, mhl = 1 - 7, dfm = > 5
                     wcu = 1 - 5, hac = 5, fod = sym, add = cal - str.

Tridacna gigas - Almost always brown with tiny blue dots, very rarely
                     green, blue or combination.
                     cdf = 3, fll = 5 - 9, dff = < 17, mhl = 1 - 7, dfm = > 5
                     wcu = 1 - 5, hac = 5, fod = sym, add = cal - str.