An overall view of Reef A. This shot shows the extent of the star polyps. But the Zenia are no slouch when it comes to taking territory!
A healthy reef is a good example of the importance of real estate on the reef! Sometimes sexual reproduction is not very evident in captivity but spreading and taking territory as quickly as possible is quite visible. The major competitors are the star polyps, Zenia, Capnella (lower right) and and the Golden Polyps (upper right)

In the center is a M. capricornis. The paler edges indicate areas that this coral is growing. Up close one can see numerous small polyps. Above it are two colonies of M. digitata, Under the MH lighting this coral will darken considerably over time.

A closeup of one colony of P. crassicornis. Note the color and polyp extension. Behind it is a large colony of star polyps, It has to be cut back as it has caused injury to the crassicornis.

A group of zooanthids was fragged and glued to the face of the reef. The hope is that they will spread and cover much of this area over time.
In the bottom left corner is the encrusting gorgonian. It has also recently begun to spread.

Center is the Endive Hydnopora showing growth since the salienties were corrected. In fact all the corals have darkened and are displaying increased polyp extension.