Confused about grouping

I was just curious if someone could explain to me why I keep seeing beautiful aquariums stocked with every imaginable species of coral. All bunched in close proximity to each other. Just flat out amazing looking tanks. When all I read about is how intolerant or aggressive one species is to others. i.e stinging, allelochemicals etc. Is this just a ploy from advanced aquarists to keep newbs from having beautiful tanks. What's going on?

 

QFT!

I'm afraid i cant answer your question as im a noob myself but im sure someone will answer soon This forum is awsome for questions like these

Welcome to 3reef!

 

it comes back to the genus and species level.
Corals of the same species will grow together and actually fuse tissues.
Corals of the same genus will grow in proximity and not sting each other.
Corals of different genus will harm each other.
For example: you can have two acropora close and there will usually not be much fighting, but if you put acropora and seriatopora (birdsnest) together there may be more fighting

 

and dont even get started on euphyllia corals lol

 

With most of those tanks that have large colonies, you get to a point where you almost want the corals to contain themselves. Because the corals are so large, you stop worrying about a little stinging, scar tissue or dead spots. It will happen, but the coral won't die, just a part of it which you can easily remove. I used to worry about placement much more then I do now.

 

+1 agreed

 

Thanks for your replies.

 

Good question. I actually had the same concern.