Loading ...While compiling our database of corals, I stumbled upon an identity of a species that highly resembled what we call today The Purple Monster. I conducted many searches on Reef Central and Google, yet found them to be of no help at all to confirm its identity. So after further examination of AIMS‘s description, I have concluded that the TPM is a Acropora maryae:
Characters: Colonies are usually upright compact bushes, but may form thick plates. Branches are short and sub-branches are frequent. Axial and incipient axial corallites are large and dome-shaped, with thick walls. They may become long and tubular. Radial corallites are small and inconspicuous. All corallites are smooth and rounded. The coenosteum is smooth.
(taken from the AIMS database of corals)
The previous name given to this coral was Acropora valida, but validas have a mixture of radial corallites of different sizes close and compact to the coenosteum. The purple monster does not. It has small and inconspicusous corallites. A huge distinction between the two corals.
The description matches the picture 100%. So if you are looking for what species your Purple Monster really is, refer to A. maryae.
You are welcome 
Until next time reefnecks.
(picture courtesy of rockymountainfrags.com)
Trained by the thirteenth ring master of the Sian Xiuang Coral Temple. Currently is apprenticing the art of Acropora shaping in the ancient tradition of Ninja Fragging. Known as the SPS hero!