Coral From The Beach At MACNA

My first evening at MACNA this year I strolled along the beach directly behind the hotel. Something began to attract my attention. All along the tide line on the sand there were bits of coral. Not only that, but a majority of it was of the same type shown below next to the tube worm. It reminded me a bit of my Favia but I knew it was not that. I was intrigued. I showed it to the likes of Martin Moe, Julian Sprung, Colin Foord, Dr. Tim, Gresham Hendee and more. I will share some of their thoughts on Monday. What do you think it is?

 

i would say a favia as well, maybe a brain type

 

I gave my guess already; porites.

Although I did find an actual favia and a tubastrea/sun coral/the like skeleton on Sunday.

 

I'm also thinking Porites.

 

Siderastrea radians
Serpulidae for the other.

Being that Porities is the most common and diverse hard coral there, chances are good that is what it is though.

I love beach combing.

 

I read your Title, and actually thought you found some live coral on the beach!

I've also had people come over, and when I show them my DT, they say 'that's coral?, I thought coral was the white rock stuff' Then I explain, etc.

 

I grew up in florida and used to find those coral skeletons all the time. I've never really looked into what species it is. I probably have 20lbs of 1"-4" skeletons like that. I'm interested to see what they actually are.

 

How about a gonipora skeleton?

 

Oh oh OH I know I know

 

Suspense!!!!!!!