Greetings from downunder

[Not_Now_John]

Hey Guys!

Been a while, kinda dropped off the grid. But more recently, I moved to Townsville, Queensland! So that's fun. Thought I would share a little project. I'm sure most of you are familiar with Seriatopora hystrix or the bird nest coral. Well some of them get a little crab that forces the coral to grow into a gall around the crab (center of picture).

In colonies without galls, the polyps are big and healthy looking with planula (upper left corner) and eggs (lower right).

But galls make for sad empty polyps

 

[gimmito]

Good to hear from you Michael. I hear there's a good reef club down under.

 

[bondolo]

Very good to hear from you. I had wondered what had become of you! Is your move permanentish or only an "expedition"?

 

[Coral reefer]

+1. And what about that super cute dog you had!?!

 

[Not_Now_John]

Move is permanentish. Started my masters degree at James Cook University. Cute dog is living with my parents now. Turns out to bring a dog to Australia they require a one month quarantine, which just seems mean!

The school actually has a few pretty sweet aquariums that researchers regularly dump fish and corals they're done studying into. I'm trying to figure out who's in charge though, because a couple look like they could use a little TLC.

 

[denzil]

A one month quarantine seems pretty fair considering there isn't any rabies in Australia. Best of luck out there!