Aquarium coral care trade-offs

Soren Dahl 25 September 2026 · 6 min read

Trade morphs rate higher for pattern distinctiveness (1.31 versus 1.03) and identification difficulty (1.23 versus 0.85), on 0–2 scales.

Key findings

Distinctive can still be ambiguousTrade morphs rate higher for pattern distinctiveness (1.31 versus 1.03) and identification difficulty (1.23 versus 0.85), on 0–2 scales.
Branching forms look more delicateHandling-delicacy ratings average 1.29/2 for Branching forms, versus 0.77/2 for Soft or fleshy forms.
Naming ambiguity has a clear gapTaxonomic-name ambiguity averages 0.86/2 for trade morphs, versus 0.37/2 for scientific-group names.

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Initial order: Observation burden, highest first.


1	millepora acropora (acropora millepora)	1.48	1.77	1.58	0.78	1.44	1.6	1.24	1.46	1.74	1.7	0.45	1.2	Branching	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.48 on the editorial rating scale.
2	red planet acropora (acropora sp.)	1.36	1.74	1.62	0.49	0.48	1.39	1.12	1.47	1.81	1.52	1.51	1.36	Branching	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.36 on the editorial rating scale.
3	tenuis acropora (acropora tenuis)	1.33	1.65	1.4	0.59	1.07	1.4	1.05	1.3	1.72	1.49	0.25	0.97	Branching	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.33 on the editorial rating scale.
4	green slimer acropora (acropora yongei)	1.31	1.6	1.37	0.52	0.36	1.3	1.11	1.47	1.67	1.5	0.62	0.88	Branching	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.31 on the editorial rating scale.
5	tricolor valida acropora (acropora valida)	1.3	1.66	1.64	0.51	1.39	1.4	1.06	1.39	1.71	1.52	0.7	1.72	Branching	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.30 on the editorial rating scale.
6	ice fire echinata acropora (acropora echinata)	1.27	1.64	1.57	0.43	1.34	1.42	1.05	1.13	1.59	1.51	0.62	1.67	Branching	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.27 on the editorial rating scale.
7	oregon tort acropora (acropora tortuosa)	1.27	1.53	1.57	0.5	1.1	1.43	1.06	1.05	1.46	1.38	0.5	1.16	Branching	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.27 on the editorial rating scale.
8	pink bird's nest coral (Seriatopora hystrix)	1.21	1.75	1.71	0.34	0.61	1.31	1.15	0.86	1.6	0.98	0.25	1.21	Branching	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.21 on the editorial rating scale.
9	branched alveopora coral (alveopora spongiosa)	1.19	1.66	1.67	0.28	0.91	1.49	1.15	1.17	1.6	1.73	0.27	0.99	Branching	Scientific group	Vertical	Observation burden: 1.19 on the editorial rating scale.
10	Branching Hammer Coral (Fimbriaphyllia parancora)	1.19	1.56	1.7	0.42	1.02	1.58	1.22	0.76	1.6	1.75	0.37	1.28	Branching	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.19 on the editorial rating scale.
11	Stylophora Coral (Stylophora pistillata)	1.17	1.4	1.5	0.49	1.14	1.1	1.03	0.9	1.24	0.99	0.1	0.68	Branching	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.17 on the editorial rating scale.
12	Acan Lord Coral (Micromussa lordhowensis)	1.16	0.86	1.4	0.42	1.09	0.9	0.77	1.3	0.9	0.69	0.49	1.07	Unknown	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.16 on the editorial rating scale.
13	daisy coral (alveopora allingi)	1.16	0.9	1.67	0.33	1.11	1.22	1.04	0.91	1.32	0.86	0.37	1.29	Unknown	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.16 on the editorial rating scale.
14	green bird's nest coral (seriatopora guttatus)	1.14	1.59	1.58	0.31	0.36	1.36	1.18	0.92	1.47	1.04	0.41	1.1	Branching	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.14 on the editorial rating scale.
15	forest fire montipora (montipora digitata)	1.12	1.39	1.36	0.6	1.13	1.51	1.04	1.15	1.24	1.35	0.52	1.63	Branching	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.12 on the editorial rating scale.
16	prism favia coral (dipsastraea sp.)	1.12	0.86	1.49	0.6	1.23	1.41	1.04	1.53	0.53	0.72	1.07	1.15	Unknown	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.12 on the editorial rating scale.
17	Meteor Shower Cyphastrea (Cyphastrea sp.)	1.11	0.99	1.36	0.58	1.11	0.96	0.69	1.63	0.77	0.51	1.18	1.43	Unknown	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.11 on the editorial rating scale.
18	rainbow montipora (montipora monasteriata)	1.11	1.23	1.28	0.6	1.53	1.52	1	1.41	1.16	1.15	0.5	1.43	Branching	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.11 on the editorial rating scale.
19	pineapple brain coral (Favia fragum)	1.1	0.72	1.57	0.32	0.97	1.16	1.02	0.93	0.33	0.44	0.4	1.13	Mounding	Scientific group	Compact	Observation burden: 1.10 on the editorial rating scale.
20	orange leptoseris coral (leptoseris explanata)	1.09	0.66	0.87	0.31	0.36	0.98	0.61	1.24	1	0.8	0.32	0.78	Plating	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 1.09 on the editorial rating scale.
21	setosa montipora (Montipora setosa)	1.09	1.3	1.39	0.37	0.96	1.37	0.96	1.21	1.32	1.09	0.12	0.87	Branching	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.09 on the editorial rating scale.
22	sunset montipora (Montipora danae)	1.09	1.22	1.26	0.44	0.86	1.45	1.02	1.36	1.21	1.16	0.52	1.12	Branching	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.09 on the editorial rating scale.
23	elephant nose chalice (mycedium elephantotus)	1.08	1.04	1.36	0.25	0.71	1.25	0.94	0.64	1.3	1.2	0.42	1.25	Unknown	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.08 on the editorial rating scale.
24	Montipora Cap Coral (Montipora capricornis)	1.08	1.32	1.32	0.75	1.29	1.54	0.97	1.36	1.18	1.3	0.38	0.88	Branching	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 1.08 on the editorial rating scale.
25	orange acan echinata (acanthastrea echinata)	1.08	1.05	1.67	0.42	0.66	1.26	0.87	1.06	0.85	0.96	0.25	0.82	Mounding	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.08 on the editorial rating scale.
26	torch coral (euphyllia glabrescens)	1.08	1.21	1.57	0.47	1.27	1.57	1.1	0.79	1.25	1.47	0.3	1.09	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.08 on the editorial rating scale.
27	bali green slimer anacropora (anacropora forbesi)	1.07	1.1	1.09	0.34	0.33	0.98	0.74	1.35	0.85	0.84	0.55	0.92	Branching	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.07 on the editorial rating scale.
28	Frogspawn Coral (Fimbriaphyllia divisa)	1.07	1.12	1.68	0.4	1.18	1.61	1.09	0.55	1.56	1.26	0.22	1.47	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.07 on the editorial rating scale.
29	lettuce chalice coral (oxypora lacera)	1.07	0.83	1.34	0.34	1.04	1.51	1.08	0.71	1.31	1.25	0.41	1.01	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.07 on the editorial rating scale.
30	meat coral (acanthophyllia deshayesiana)	1.07	0.59	1.36	0.31	0.98	1.12	0.94	1.13	0.77	0.95	0.62	0.98	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.07 on the editorial rating scale.
31	orange digitata montipora (Montipora digitata)	1.07	1.35	1.43	0.43	0.54	1.41	0.98	1.21	1.14	1.3	0.25	0.92	Branching	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.07 on the editorial rating scale.
32	utter chaos zoanthid (zoanthus sp.)	1.07	0.65	1.63	1.08	1.83	1.61	1.34	1.83	0.3	0.81	1.68	1.71	Unknown	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.07 on the editorial rating scale.
33	Australian scoly coral (homophyllia australis)	1.06	1.03	1.39	0.39	0.85	1.19	0.93	1.15	1.09	0.96	0.48	1	Unknown	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.06 on the editorial rating scale.
34	dendro coral (dendrophyllia arbuscula)	1.06	1.5	1.61	0.42	1.11	1.44	1.29	1	1.37	1.24	0.47	0.96	Branching	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.06 on the editorial rating scale.
35	Cauliflower Coral (Pocillopora damicornis)	1.05	1.59	1.85	0.61	1.29	1.59	1.38	0.58	1.2	1.27	0.29	0.95	Branching	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.05 on the editorial rating scale.
36	galaxy coral (Galaxea fascicularis)	1.05	1	1.69	0.25	1.16	1.41	0.99	0.29	1.25	1.25	0.09	1.57	Branching	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.05 on the editorial rating scale.
37	scroll plate coral (lithophyllon undulatum)	1.05	0.67	1.28	0.25	1.02	1.61	0.89	0.68	0.72	1.31	0.23	1.46	Plating	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 1.05 on the editorial rating scale.
38	open brain coral (Trachyphyllia geoffroyi)	1.04	0.4	1.2	0.4	1.25	1.86	0.62	0.59	0.56	1.72	0.29	1.36	Mounding	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 1.04 on the editorial rating scale.
39	bowerbanki coral (homophyllia bowerbanki)	1.03	0.76	1.19	0.3	0.63	1.09	0.79	1.22	1.22	0.78	0.39	0.78	Unknown	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.03 on the editorial rating scale.
40	wilsoni coral (australophyllia wilsoni)	1.03	0.93	1.2	0.28	0.67	0.96	0.75	1.3	1.08	0.69	0.32	0.98	Unknown	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.03 on the editorial rating scale.
41	purple plume gorgonian (muriceopsis flavida)	1.02	1.47	1.37	0.18	0.3	1.49	1.02	0.77	1.87	1.85	0.46	1.14	Branching	Scientific group	Vertical	Observation burden: 1.02 on the editorial rating scale.
42	jedi mind trick montipora (montipora undata)	1.01	1.17	1.18	0.39	1.1	1.46	0.9	1.55	1.09	1.22	0.71	1	Unknown	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.01 on the editorial rating scale.
43	lobed brain coral (Lobophyllia hemprichii)	1.01	0.96	1.56	0.33	1.2	1.73	1.41	0.7	0.42	1.28	0.13	1.28	Mounding	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 1.01 on the editorial rating scale.
44	Blastomussa Coral (Blastomussa wellsi)	1	0.61	1.26	0.33	0.96	1.35	0.82	0.61	0.62	0.92	0.11	1.02	Mounding	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 1.00 on the editorial rating scale.
45	branching porites coral (porites cylindrica)	1	1.56	1.43	0.29	0.84	1.42	1.18	0.88	0.72	1.67	0.2	0.54	Branching	Scientific group	Vertical	Observation burden: 1.00 on the editorial rating scale.
46	green flowerpot coral (goniopora stokesi)	1	0.92	1.38	0.22	0.31	1.13	0.99	0.56	1.08	1.03	0.28	1.03	Unknown	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.00 on the editorial rating scale.
47	neon green nepthea coral (litophyton sp.)	1	0.91	1.25	0.46	0.19	1.14	0.85	1.27	1.08	0.99	1.17	0.96	Soft or fleshy	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.00 on the editorial rating scale.
48	verrucosa cauliflower coral (pocillopora verrucosa)	1	1.4	1.84	0.39	1.1	1.49	1.36	0.62	0.9	1.08	0.33	1.02	Mounding	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 1.00 on the editorial rating scale.
49	moon coral (Favites abdita)	0.99	0.68	1.31	0.28	0.54	1.49	1.08	1.38	0.34	0.74	0.53	0.96	Mounding	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.99 on the editorial rating scale.
50	watermelon chalice coral (echinophyllia sp.)	0.99	0.56	1.48	0.31	0.99	1.39	0.99	0.74	0.71	0.93	1.05	1.68	Soft or fleshy	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.99 on the editorial rating scale.
51	sunset stylocoeniella (stylocoeniella armata)	0.98	0.93	1.16	0.27	0.74	1.09	0.71	0.82	1.29	1.18	0.55	1.32	Unknown	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.98 on the editorial rating scale.
52	chili coral (alcyonium palmatus)	0.97	1.04	1.34	0.38	0.62	1.27	1.03	0.88	1.18	1.11	0.58	1.04	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.97 on the editorial rating scale.
53	Colt Coral (Cladiella sp.)	0.97	1.03	1.16	0.55	1.13	1.05	0.95	1.32	0.95	0.94	0.98	0.79	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.97 on the editorial rating scale.
54	elegance coral (catalaphyllia jardinei)	0.97	0.98	1.17	0.25	0.92	1.39	0.79	0.29	1.31	1.36	0.3	1.6	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.97 on the editorial rating scale.
55	fox coral (Nemenzophyllia turbida)	0.96	0.99	1.39	0.28	0.94	1.34	0.94	0.56	1.15	1.06	0.23	1.32	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.96 on the editorial rating scale.
56	hollywood stunner chalice (Echinopora lamellosa)	0.96	0.89	1.49	0.39	1.13	1.28	0.92	0.99	1.04	0.89	0.57	1.31	Unknown	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.96 on the editorial rating scale.
57	horn coral (hydnophora exesa)	0.96	1.25	1.57	0.26	0.62	1.23	1.15	0.72	0.73	1.36	0.47	0.94	Branching	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.96 on the editorial rating scale.
58	maze brain coral (platygyra daedalea)	0.96	0.85	1.6	0.31	0.81	1.7	1.24	0.69	0.29	0.86	0.19	1.53	Mounding	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 0.96 on the editorial rating scale.
59	Kenya Tree Coral (Capnella imbricata)	0.95	1.67	1.54	0.25	1.05	1.6	1.29	0.61	1.47	1.73	0.16	1.01	Branching	Scientific group	Vertical	Observation burden: 0.95 on the editorial rating scale.
60	lobed flowerpot coral (goniopora lobata)	0.95	1	1.37	0.27	1.01	1.42	1.13	0.45	0.93	1.23	0.18	1.06	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 0.95 on the editorial rating scale.
61	purple sea blade (Pterogorgia anceps)	0.95	1.39	1.25	0.18	0.23	1.41	1.08	0.79	1.53	1.75	0.35	1.01	Branching	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.95 on the editorial rating scale.
62	Waving Hand Coral (Anthelia glauca)	0.95	0.75	1.14	0.19	0.58	1.19	0.76	0.64	1.42	1.17	0.24	0.95	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.95 on the editorial rating scale.
63	cabbage leather coral (Sinularia dura)	0.94	0.92	1.25	0.31	0.9	1.19	1.08	1.27	0.23	0.91	0.42	0.66	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.94 on the editorial rating scale.
64	sandpaper coral (Psammocora contigua)	0.94	0.65	1.52	0.45	0.68	1.22	0.55	1	0.29	0.85	0.2	0.65	Unknown	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 0.94 on the editorial rating scale.
65	war coral (Favites pentagona)	0.94	0.73	1.48	0.3	0.87	1.6	1.16	1.04	0.13	0.73	0.37	0.89	Mounding	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.94 on the editorial rating scale.
66	encrusting gorgonian (Erythropodium caribaeorum)	0.93	0.66	1.17	0.16	0.56	1.21	0.79	0.96	0.8	0.64	0.23	0.79	Encrusting	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 0.93 on the editorial rating scale.
67	Candy Cane Coral (Caulastrea furcata)	0.92	1.24	1.34	0.36	0.61	1.19	0.96	0.53	0.93	1.19	0.33	1.64	Branching	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.92 on the editorial rating scale.
68	corky sea finger (briareum asbestinum)	0.91	1.35	1.48	0.37	0.71	1.36	1.07	0.79	0.67	1.45	0.19	0.9	Branching	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.91 on the editorial rating scale.
69	long tentacle plate coral (heliofungia actiniformis)	0.91	0.24	1.27	0.17	1.03	1.79	0.72	0.27	1.09	1.67	0.25	1.25	Plating	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 0.91 on the editorial rating scale.
70	Toadstool Leather Coral (Sarcophyton sp.)	0.91	0.54	0.95	0.43	1.33	1.47	1.04	0.93	0.57	1.22	1	0.79	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 0.91 on the editorial rating scale.
71	Purple Leptastrea (Leptastrea purpurea)	0.9	0.84	1.28	0.3	0.22	0.91	0.73	1.03	0.61	0.5	0.2	0.89	Unknown	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.90 on the editorial rating scale.
72	yuma ricordea (Ricordea yuma)	0.9	0.41	0.84	0.25	1.07	0.43	0.65	1.13	0.46	0.21	0.23	0.88	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Compact	Observation burden: 0.90 on the editorial rating scale.
73	elephant skin chalice (Echinophyllia aspera)	0.89	0.74	1.86	0.3	1	1.53	1.02	0.42	0.38	1.28	0.26	1.47	Mounding	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.89 on the editorial rating scale.
74	leaf coral (pavona maldivensis)	0.89	0.96	1.38	0.45	1.07	1.74	1.19	0.87	0.74	1.67	0.65	1.12	Plating	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 0.89 on the editorial rating scale.
75	Florida Ricordea (Ricordea florida)	0.88	0.48	1.01	0.37	1.3	0.55	0.7	1.01	0.59	0.37	0.28	1.05	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 0.88 on the editorial rating scale.
76	rasta zoanthid (zoanthus sp.)	0.88	0.41	1.49	0.31	1.08	1.12	1.04	1.5	0.37	0.41	1.45	1.68	Soft or fleshy	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.88 on the editorial rating scale.
77	Duncan Coral (Duncanopsammia axifuga)	0.87	0.56	1.31	0.21	0.89	1.01	0.75	0.61	0.53	0.79	0.14	0.92	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.87 on the editorial rating scale.
78	Finger Leather Coral (Sinularia flexibilis)	0.87	1.13	1.2	0.25	1.12	1.08	1.03	1	0.88	1.07	0.28	0.55	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Vertical	Observation burden: 0.87 on the editorial rating scale.
79	bent sea rod (plexaura flexuosa)	0.85	1.21	0.98	0.29	0.84	1.34	0.97	0.86	0.74	1.67	0.28	0.66	Branching	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.85 on the editorial rating scale.
80	bubble coral (Plerogyra sinuosa)	0.85	0.39	0.95	0.23	1.1	1.42	0.62	0.21	1.28	1.06	0.26	1.03	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.85 on the editorial rating scale.
81	cactus coral (Pavona decussata)	0.85	1.15	1.6	0.55	1.02	1.76	1.05	0.6	0.45	1.53	0.3	1.29	Plating	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 0.85 on the editorial rating scale.
82	Devil's Hand Leather (Lobophytum sp.)	0.85	0.87	1.15	0.41	1	1.54	1.22	1.32	0.37	1.17	1.21	1.07	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 0.85 on the editorial rating scale.
83	dragon eye zoanthid (Zoanthus sp.)	0.85	0.33	1.31	0.47	1.21	1.03	1.03	1.49	0.24	0.43	1.49	1.71	Soft or fleshy	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.85 on the editorial rating scale.
84	Orange Clove Polyps (Clavularia sp.)	0.85	0.72	1.45	0.29	0.27	1.12	1.08	1.14	0.98	0.88	1.11	0.73	Soft or fleshy	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.85 on the editorial rating scale.
85	Yellow Scroll Coral (Turbinaria reniformis)	0.85	0.88	1.16	0.25	0.37	1.44	0.95	0.51	0.8	1.38	0.32	1.03	Plating	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.85 on the editorial rating scale.
86	blue ridge coral (heliopora coerulea)	0.83	1.1	1.21	0.26	0.19	1.28	0.77	0.51	0.7	1.09	0.35	0.98	Branching	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.83 on the editorial rating scale.
87	Eagle Eye Zoanthid (Zoanthus sp.)	0.82	0.31	1.18	0.4	1.18	0.97	0.98	1.61	0.26	0.37	1.48	1.68	Soft or fleshy	Trade morph	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.82 on the editorial rating scale.
88	superman mushroom coral (rhodactis sp.)	0.81	0.28	0.78	0.39	1.24	1.19	0.69	1.32	0.21	0.73	1.34	1.37	Soft or fleshy	Trade morph	Spreading	Observation burden: 0.81 on the editorial rating scale.
89	giant button polyps (Palythoa grandis)	0.8	0.13	0.68	0.2	1.05	1.55	1.03	1.16	0.17	1.09	0.93	0.68	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 0.80 on the editorial rating scale.
90	orange sun coral (tubastraea coccinea)	0.8	0.7	1.3	0.27	0.22	1.27	0.72	0.32	0.57	1.1	0.12	0.87	Branching	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.80 on the editorial rating scale.
91	pagoda cup coral (turbinaria peltata)	0.79	0.77	1.02	0.22	1.05	1.46	0.93	0.37	0.59	1.47	0.23	1.02	Plating	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.79 on the editorial rating scale.
92	button coral (cynarina lacrymalis)	0.78	0.26	0.81	0.21	0.96	0.88	0.72	0.57	0.25	0.56	0.32	0.79	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Compact	Observation burden: 0.78 on the editorial rating scale.
93	plate coral (fungia fungites)	0.78	0.17	0.99	0.23	0.99	1.72	0.39	0.39	0.21	1.7	0.33	0.86	Plating	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 0.78 on the editorial rating scale.
94	Green Star Polyps (Pachyclavularia violacea)	0.77	0.88	1.54	0.33	0.59	1.48	1.15	0.88	0.98	1.34	0.56	0.86	Soft or fleshy	Trade morph	Spreading	Observation burden: 0.77 on the editorial rating scale.
95	yellow polyps (Parazoanthus gracilis)	0.76	0.42	1.26	0.24	0.13	1.02	0.84	1.37	0.89	0.86	0.61	0.59	Unknown	Scientific group	Unknown	Observation burden: 0.76 on the editorial rating scale.
96	pipe organ coral (Tubipora musica)	0.73	1.14	1.55	0.08	0.41	1.34	1.06	0.03	1.37	1.44	0.09	1.53	Branching	Scientific group	Vertical	Observation burden: 0.73 on the editorial rating scale.
97	Hairy Mushroom Coral (Rhodactis indosinensis)	0.72	0.24	1.71	0.27	1.22	1.23	0.81	0.8	0.99	0.63	0.5	0.82	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 0.72 on the editorial rating scale.
98	bullseye mushroom coral (Rhodactis rhodostoma)	0.71	0.21	0.7	0.23	1.09	1.24	0.57	0.57	0.28	0.69	0.19	1.59	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 0.71 on the editorial rating scale.
99	Pulsing Xenia (Xenia umbellata)	0.63	0.96	1.43	0.23	0.94	1.38	1.08	0.29	1.21	0.96	0.22	0.86	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 0.63 on the editorial rating scale.
100	Red Mushroom Coral (Discosoma sp.)	0.57	0.09	0.5	0.34	0.83	0.93	0.56	1.53	0.18	0.39	1.01	0.49	Soft or fleshy	Scientific group	Spreading	Observation burden: 0.57 on the editorial rating scale.

100 rows · all fields visible

Data completeness: 2 categorical field(s) contain unknowns

Gross growth form: 16 of 100 entries unresolved. Unknown values are excluded from group comparisons.

Display silhouette: 67 of 100 entries unresolved. Unknown values are excluded from group comparisons.

100rows in the dataset

18fields per row

0.98median Observation burden

0.2middle-half spread

Where the ratings cluster

Observation burden · 0–2 rating · 100 finite values

0.571.48

8 equal-width bin(s) across the observed range; the final bin includes the maximum. Middle 50%: 0.88–1.08. Hover a bin for its range.

First five by Observation burden

1millepora acropora (acropora millepora)1.48
2red planet acropora (acropora sp.)1.36
3tenuis acropora (acropora tenuis)1.33
4green slimer acropora (acropora yongei)1.31
5tricolor valida acropora (acropora valida)1.3

Tied scores retain source order; listing first does not break a tie. Read across each row before choosing a shortlist.

Distribution across numeric fields

Quartiles describe the middle half of each field. Units differ; compare values within a row of this summary, not across unrelated fields.

Field	Valid n	Minimum	25th pct.	Median	75th pct.	Maximum
Observation burden (0–2 rating)	100	0.57	0.88	0.98	1.08	1.48
Branching complexity (0–2 rating)	100	0.09	0.67	0.95	1.24	1.77
Surface-texture complexity (0–2 rating)	100	0.5	1.2	1.37	1.55	1.86
Growth-form variability (0–2 rating)	100	0.08	0.26	0.33	0.42	1.08
Color variability (0–2 rating)	100	0.13	0.63	0.98	1.11	1.83
Space-occupancy impression (0–2 rating)	100	0.43	1.18	1.37	1.49	1.86
Shading-interaction potential (0–2 rating)	100	0.39	0.81	1.01	1.08	1.41
Visual identification difficulty (0–2 rating)	100	0.03	0.62	0.93	1.27	1.83
Handling delicacy impression (0–2 rating)	100	0.13	0.57	0.94	1.26	1.87
Placement-form constraint (0–2 rating)	100	0.21	0.86	1.1	1.36	1.85
Taxonomic-name ambiguity (0–2 rating)	100	0.09	0.25	0.36	0.56	1.68
Pattern distinctiveness (0–2 rating)	100	0.49	0.88	1.02	1.29	1.72

Field definitions and analysis method

rank: Position after sorting the ranking field; ties are not evidence of a real difference.
Entry: Identity of this comparison entry.
Observation burden: 0: Few broad visible features dominate observation; 1: Several visible features change with conditions; 2: Many subtle appearance and behavior changes need tracking
Branching complexity: 0: Unbranched simple visible form; 1: Moderate branching or lobing; 2: Highly intricate branching structure
Surface-texture complexity: 0: Smooth or visually uniform surface; 1: Several repeating surface features; 2: Dense varied polyp or skeletal surface texture
Growth-form variability: 0: Trade name suggests one consistent gross form; 1: Several closely related growth forms; 2: Name spans substantially different growth forms
Color variability: 0: Name suggests a narrow color identity; 1: Several common color expressions; 2: Wide color expression and naming variation
Space-occupancy impression: 0: Compact form occupies a small visual envelope; 1: Moderately spreading or upright form; 2: Broad spreading or intricate form occupies a large envelope
Shading-interaction potential: 0: Low simple form casts little internal shade; 1: Some lobes or branches overlap; 2: Dense overlapping growth creates strong internal shading
Visual identification difficulty: 0: Distinctive gross form and naming; 1: Several similar-looking candidates; 2: Many visually overlapping candidates under broad names
Handling delicacy impression: 0: Robust simple external form; 1: Some delicate projecting features; 2: Many fine fragile-looking projections
Placement-form constraint: 0: Simple compact form fits varied display spaces; 1: Some directional growth shapes placement; 2: Strongly directional or expansive form constrains display layout
Taxonomic-name ambiguity: 0: Name identifies a narrow scientific group; 1: Trade and scientific labels partly overlap; 2: Broad marketing name provides little taxonomic specificity
Pattern distinctiveness: 0: Common uniform pattern; 1: Several recognizable pattern features; 2: Highly distinctive contrasting or intricate patterns
Gross growth form: Branching: Branches dominate visible form; Mounding: Rounded mounds dominate visible form; Plating: Flat plates dominate visible form; Encrusting: Low spreading crust dominates visible form; Soft or fleshy: Soft lobes or fleshy polyps dominate visible form; Unknown: Identity or classification is uncertain, or no listed category fits
Naming basis: Scientific group: Scientific genus or species primarily identifies the entry; Trade morph: Marketing color or morph name primarily identifies the entry; Broad common name: General common-name family primarily identifies the entry; Unknown: Identity or classification is uncertain, or no listed category fits
Display silhouette: Vertical: Upright height dominates display silhouette; Spreading: Lateral spread dominates display silhouette; Compact: A compact bounded silhouette dominates; Unknown: Identity or classification is uncertain, or no listed category fits
rationale: Explanation of the row’s ratings under the stated criteria.

Statistics are computed from the published finite values. Quantiles use linear interpolation at (n − 1) × p. Associations can reflect shared assessment assumptions; no statistical significance or real-world causal effect is implied. The article explains the assessment method and limitations.

Trade-morph names average 1.31 for pattern distinctiveness, versus 1.03 for scientific-group names, while also averaging higher identification difficulty: 1.23 versus 0.85. The groups contain 24 and 76 rows. A distinctive pattern can make a name memorable without making the identity more precise.

Visual identification difficulty and taxonomic-name ambiguity have a tie-aware Spearman rank correlation of 0.65. On our 0–2 rating scales, utter chaos zoanthid (zoanthus sp.) receives 1.83 for visual identification difficulty and 1.68 for taxonomic-name ambiguity; pipe organ coral (Tubipora musica) receives 0.03 and 0.09, respectively.

Visual-identification difficulty rises with taxonomic-name ambiguity in our ratings. A naming problem is therefore part of the comparison, not just a difference in appearance. The trade-morph group makes the distinction especially clear: its stronger pattern-distinctiveness rating sits alongside greater identification difficulty. A memorable appearance and a precise identification are not interchangeable. Use the naming-basis column to decide what needs checking, then compare growth form and visual structure separately. None of these scores supplies lighting, flow, feeding or water-chemistry requirements. Care decisions need a dependable identification and appropriate husbandry information; a low complexity score does not turn an uncertain trade name into an easy-care recommendation.

All 100 entries have a naming basis category. The primary rating has an exact tie spanning 7 entries; rounding to one decimal puts as many as 24 together. Read nearby positions as broad clusters rather than distinct tiers.

What the ratings show

The analysis covers 100 rows and 18 fields.

The spread in Observation burden

Across 100 usable values, Observation burden runs from 0.57 to 1.48 on the 0–2 rating scale. The median is 0.98; the middle half of rows falls between 0.88 and 1.08. That middle-half range is 0.2, compared with a full range of 0.91. There are 0 missing or non-finite values in this field.

The rank is a sorting aid, not a confidence statement. Small gaps between subjective ratings do not establish meaningful differences. Use the full row and its assumptions when making a shortlist.

Comparing Gross growth form groups

The Branching group has a median Observation burden of 1.08 across 33 rows; Plating has 0.87 across 8. Their medians differ by 0.21. The middle half of Branching runs from 0.96 to 1.19, compared with 0.83 to 0.95 for Plating. This comparison includes 4 groups with at least five rows each; 17 rows are outside those groups (including unknown labels and small groups). Different group composition can explain the difference, so it is not an isolated effect of the group label.

Comparing Naming basis groups

The Trade morph group has a median Observation burden of 1 across 24 rows; Scientific group has 0.97 across 76. Their medians differ by 0.03. The middle half of Trade morph runs from 0.87 to 1.11, compared with 0.89 to 1.07 for Scientific group. This comparison includes 2 groups with at least five rows each; 0 rows are outside those groups (including unknown labels and small groups). Different group composition can explain the difference, so it is not an isolated effect of the group label.

Comparing Display silhouette groups

The Vertical group has a median Observation burden of 0.97 across 6 rows; Spreading has 0.9 across 24. Their medians differ by 0.07. The middle half of Vertical runs from 0.89 to 1.02, compared with 0.8 to 0.97 for Spreading. This comparison includes 2 groups with at least five rows each; 70 rows are outside those groups (including unknown labels and small groups). Different group composition can explain the difference, so it is not an isolated effect of the group label.

Which fields move together

Branching complexity and Observation burden: Spearman rho = 0.61 across 100 complete pairs. Higher values tend to accompany higher Observation burden values within these rows.
Handling delicacy impression and Observation burden: Spearman rho = 0.59 across 100 complete pairs. Higher values tend to accompany higher Observation burden values within these rows.
Growth-form variability and Observation burden: Spearman rho = 0.55 across 100 complete pairs. Higher values tend to accompany higher Observation burden values within these rows.
Surface-texture complexity and Observation burden: Spearman rho = 0.46 across 100 complete pairs. Higher values tend to accompany higher Observation burden values within these rows.

These are descriptive associations, not causal findings. They can reflect the assessment’s shared assumptions, linked scoring rubrics or repeated scenario structure. Correlated ratings are not independent confirmation of one another.

How the shortlist changes with a constraint

The following comparisons retain the published Observation burden ordering but split the dataset at each secondary field’s median. Choose the side that matches your use case; neither side is assumed to be better.

With Branching complexity at or below 0.95, 50 rows qualify. Acan Lord Coral (Micromussa lordhowensis) is the first listed of 2 row(s) tied at that subset’s highest value of 1.16 for Observation burden; its Branching complexity is 0.86.
With Branching complexity above 0.95, 50 rows qualify. millepora acropora (acropora millepora) is the first listed of 1 row(s) tied at that subset’s highest value of 1.48 for Observation burden; its Branching complexity is 1.77.
With Handling delicacy impression at or below 0.94, 50 rows qualify. Acan Lord Coral (Micromussa lordhowensis) is the first listed of 1 row(s) tied at that subset’s highest value of 1.16 for Observation burden; its Handling delicacy impression is 0.9.
With Handling delicacy impression above 0.94, 50 rows qualify. millepora acropora (acropora millepora) is the first listed of 1 row(s) tied at that subset’s highest value of 1.48 for Observation burden; its Handling delicacy impression is 1.74.
With Growth-form variability at or below 0.33, 53 rows qualify. branched alveopora coral (alveopora spongiosa) is the first listed of 1 row(s) tied at that subset’s highest value of 1.19 for Observation burden; its Growth-form variability is 0.28.
With Growth-form variability above 0.33, 47 rows qualify. millepora acropora (acropora millepora) is the first listed of 1 row(s) tied at that subset’s highest value of 1.48 for Observation burden; its Growth-form variability is 0.78.

Reproducing the analysis

Download the complete CSV, retain finite numeric values, and sort the ranking field in the descending direction. Quantiles use linear interpolation at (n − 1) × p; group statistics use the same method. Spearman correlations use average ranks for ties and use only complete numeric pairs. No significance tests or confidence intervals are reported: these assessments are not a random sample of measured outcomes.

How we compared the entries

We use AI-assisted scoring against the criteria shown for each column. These ratings are subjective editorial assessments, not physical tests or measurements. The assessments use candidate names and descriptions; no independent product testing or field research was performed.

Catalog scope: model-suggested identities from the original cohort; not independently verified.

No lighting, water-chemistry, or animal-care setpoints are inferred; verify husbandry against qualified sources.

Scores follow the ordered criteria shown in the table; decimals indicate positions between those anchors, not measurement precision. Associations describe patterns in these assessments and do not establish cause. Category labels and candidate identities can contain errors.