Purple (Branching) Star Polyps
A variant of Green star polyps (Pachyclavularia violacea)
Representative Green star polypsphoto — a dedicated image of this exact morph isn't available yet.
A close GSP relative with a vivid purple encrusting base and green, often white-centered polyps; some forms grow as upright branching 'fingers' or knobby spires rather than a flat mat.
📜 Backstory
Sold as 'Purple Star Polyp' (Briareum sp.) by LiveAquaria's CCGC aquacultured program and The Biota Group, and as a branching form by AlgaeBarn (Biota Branching Green Star Polyp). Often grouped with green star polyps in the trade, it is a naturally purple-based strain of the closely related Briareum star-polyp complex; exact species and lineage are debated among hobbyists, with names like Briareum violaceum/Pachyclavularia used interchangeably.
Keeper tips for this variant
Same easy care as GSP - its own rock, moderate light, moderate-to-high flow; the branching forms appreciate a bit more flow to develop their upright structure.