MYSTERY SPECIES: Can you ID this reef creature?

18 Mar, 2022

Can you identify CORAL Magazine's latest mystery reef creature? Image credit: Vincent Chalias/Bali Aquarium
Can you identify CORAL Magazine’s latest mystery reef creature? Image credit: Vincent Chalias/Bali Aquarium
This mystery creature is one of many captivating forms of reef life included in the March/April 2022 issue of CORAL Magazine.
This mystery creature is one of many captivating forms of reef life included in the March/April 2022 issue of CORAL Magazine.

CORAL Magazine Readers, POP QUIZ!

Did you read the March/April ’22 issue yet? If so, you’ll have the answer. But, as always, “no spoilers” please!

To the rest of you, this stony reef organism is obviously gorgeous. Its branching form is graceful, sometimes described as lace-like. There is more than one genus of similar, related organisms that rarely show up in the aquarium trade, so that will add a layer of difficulty to solve this mystery.

This puzzling animal is generally regarded as an “impossible coral” when it comes to the reef aquarium. So, despite the outlandishly good looks, photographer & coral farmer Vincent Chalias isn’t farming them or exporting them, and shared this photo as a cautionary tale.

Think you have the answer? Then click here for the big reveal.

Stumped? Then you probably should subscribe to CORAL Magazine and be “in the know” next time!

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About the author

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Matt Pedersen

Matt Pedersen is a Sr. Editor and Associate Publisher with Reef To Rainforest Media, LLC & CORAL Magazines, and is a Sr. Editor and Publishing Partner with Aquatic Media Press, LLC & AMAZONAS Magazine. Matt has kept aquariums for 38 years, has worked in most facets of the aquarium trade, is an active aquarist and fish breeder (both marine and freshwater), and was recognized with the 2009 MASNA Award as the MASNA Aquarist of the Year.

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