GSP branch-like coral

[kichimark]

I got this coral over a year ago. In the original tank it grew like a tree. I got a piece for free and put it on the lower rockwork. It grew on the rock then started to branch out. It looks like GSP but does not have the purple mat and it folds in when it branches. Anyone know what it is? I got a picture during mid day and one when the lights just turned on to show the branches. It is actually much more green than in the pic.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a129/Kichimark/unknown1.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a129/Kichimark/unknown2.jpg

[nauticac4]

Wish I knew what it was the growth form is very cool.

[cjdevito]

It's an encrusting gorgonian. Briareum, most likely.

[danielbui23]

It's not a GSP. It looks more like a Galaxia Coral. If it is, it is grows a skeleton like what is shown in your photos.

[danielbui23]

Or encrusting gorgonian

[kichimark]

its definitely not a galaxia. The mat is rubbery and can be torn off. I have never seen a branching gorgonian that is green like this so I am pretty excited. The guy who I got it from had it as a hitch hiker on a rock.

[cjdevito]

You used to see them more years ago - albeit they'd nearly always be mislabelled as GSP. These days it's definitely an uncommon find.

[RyanSweatt2004]

Its just one of many types green star polyps, The only thing special about it is that its got a funky growth pattern That most people may not have seen. Mine always grow leafs and branch like extensions like this in all sorts of directions. Its just another way they spread in the wild and also a great way to keep making easy frags of it. Its what I do.

[MarkusII]

Hello,

its as mentioned above a Briareum asbestinum, encrusting gorgonia

regards

Markus