Frag'd It » aims

AIMS Rebirth!?

vlad — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:27:20 +0000

No resource is more important to me than the AIMS (Australian Institute of Marine Science) database of corals. Not only do they have a huge list (over 900 species listed), but an identification summary with detailed, descriptive tidbits on their nuances. But, the database was only accessible through google searches, and that proved to be trying. While I was compiling a dedicated spreadsheet with each SPS/LPS coral known to man (using them a reference), AIMS announced that they are coming back online. Not only is that great, but they will allow all of us, who are interested in knowing properly the identities of corals, to download their entire database CD. How amazing is that?? Follow the link here to see what I mean.

Am I glad to have them back!

Identifying Designer Corals: The Purple Monster

vlad — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:29:59 +0000

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)

AIMS Coral Database Update

vlad — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:54:05 +0000

For those who were not aware of this roller-coaster ride, the Australian Institute of Marine Science‘s (AIMS) coral database has been a staple in our reef industry in coral identification. Recently it has gone down due to a possible upgrade. But now talking to Mark Rehbein, the manager of AIMS data center, says this upgrade might be dead in the water:

Unfortunately, we have had to remove Coral Search tool. It was a proof of concept project and as such has had to be removed. We appreciate that a number of different Internet communities have found the tool useful.

So does that mean we won’t see this search tool again?

The good news is that we have secured funding for a similar online tool with greater capability.

Pffew! You can do whatever to the site, just don’t lose the coral database! Does a reef junkie need his drug? Yes he does!

So tune in for updates, as this story has a happy ending. I am sure Mark is betting on it!

Can you ID this coral for me?

vlad — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:57:10 +0000

Well, now you can do it yourself. AIMS, or Australian Institute for Marine Science, has made it much easier for you to identify your precious coral. By following this link, you will be taken to a search page where you can enter all the necessary keywords for your coral. Once the search is tabulated, you will be asked to select a potential match for your coral. The descriptions may be a bit confusing, as the terminology is not known to many.

So reference this website (or picture) before read about your coral. It will help you understand the anatomy of a species, and will make it easier for identification.

For those of you SPS freaks, thanks to StonyReef‘s suggestion, CoralSee is a useful link to ID’ing your twigs. It has a systematic approach in examining the coralite, formation, and branch thickness in narrowing your search. I am quite positive that even the freshest of novices can begin to know what they have in their tanks.

So take your time, and enjoy searching and identifying your coral. Look at the coralites, the formation, and skeletal structures for clues in successfully finding your gem.