Coral appraisal guide

Even among the same species like Goniopora and Acropora, evaluation varies significantly based on polyp coloration, fluorescence, colony fullness, and acclimation status. Corals are living animals, and price variation arises from differences in both husbandry difficulty and aesthetic value.

What determines the price

Polyp opening and extension state.
High
Well-opened and extended polyps indicate good health status. Even if polyps are closed at the time of transaction, this may be temporary contraction due to environmental changes.
Vibrancy of body color and fluorescent coloration.
High
Vibrant body colors such as fluorescent green, purple, pink, and blue directly contribute to ornamental value. Browning caused by zooxanthellae overgrowth is a sign of declining color expression.
Presence or absence of bleaching and tissue damage.
High
Bleaching where the skeleton is visible is a sign of severe stress. Partial tissue damage and excessive mucus secretion are also indicators of deteriorating condition.
Colony fullness and form.
Medium
Colonies that spread evenly with high morphological completeness receive higher ratings. Chips, damage, or deformity may indicate management issues.
Acclimation and quarantine status.
Medium
Corals acclimated in domestic tanks for a period following import have more predictable environmental adaptation. Information on treatment and acclimation duration provides confidence in transactions.

Appraisal points

Confirm polyp extension.

Good:: Polyps are fully extended and evenly distributed throughout the entire colony.
Caution:: If all polyps are closed, suspect stress, disease, or transport damage. However, temporary retraction can also occur, so continued observation is necessary.

Verify body color and browning.

Good:: The species' native fluorescent and body coloration are vivid and uniform. No browning (discoloration) is visible.
Caution:: Specimens showing overall or partial browning may indicate zooxanthellae overgrowth or stress conditions.

Verify acclimation and care history.

Good:: Acclimation duration in domestic aquariums and water quality parameters are clearly documented.
Caution:: For recently imported or unacclimated specimens, make a purchase decision only after fully understanding the risks.