Buying WYSIWYG Corals: Assess Photos, Size and Condition
With a WYSIWYG coral, you choose an individual animal from its photograph. WYSIWYG stands for “What You See Is What You Get”. In our WYSIWYG selection, the pictured specimen belongs to the specific listing. Look at the photographs alongside the size information and care notes before choosing a coral for your reef.
WYSIWYG or a representative image: what is the difference?
A representative image illustrates what a coral species or colour variety can look like. A WYSIWYG photograph shows the individual specimen on offer. That matters when choosing an irregular colony, a multi-headed Euphyllia or an individually patterned LPS coral. Look for an explicit WYSIWYG label; a trade name alone does not mean that the photograph shows the exact animal.
A number in the product title helps distinguish similar listings. It is a specimen reference, not a size or quality grade. If you contact us about a coral, include the product link and this number.
Five things to check before buying
- The individual animal: Compare shape, branching, head count and colour pattern. View all available photographs rather than relying on the small preview.
- The stated size: A photograph that fills the frame does not tell you the actual diameter. Read the measurement and ask if it is unclear whether it describes the skeleton, expanded polyp or frag.
- Space requirements: Allow room for expanded polyps, movement and growth. The current size on a frag plug does not represent the permanent clearance needed from neighbours.
- Care conditions: Check that your lighting, flow and intended location suit the animal. Our beginner's selection guide is a useful starting point.
- Delivery: Choose a date when you can receive the parcel and attend to the animal. Find the current arrangements on our shipping and delivery page.
Why colours may look different in your aquarium
We photograph our coral products under blue lighting, which brings out fluorescent colours. The same animal can look different under whiter aquarium lighting. Viewing angle, camera rendering and your screen also affect colour. If a particular colour is important to your choice, ask us about the photography conditions or another view before buying.
If a particular colour is central to your decision, ask for more information about the photograph or another view of the animal before buying. Compare similar lighting where possible. Two images taken under very different lighting are of limited use when judging a genuine change in colour.
What a photograph can tell you about condition
Clearly visible tissue and skeleton edges help you assess a specimen. However, an unusual pale area, a withdrawn polyp or a dark part of an image cannot reliably be explained from a photograph alone. Ask for a current image if you are unsure rather than jumping to a diagnosis. A photograph captures a moment; a living animal's expansion changes over the course of the day.
On arrival, take time to inspect the animal and packaging. Follow our guide to acclimating corals after shipping for the next steps. Document visible problems promptly and contact us with photographs and the specimen number.
Common questions about WYSIWYG corals
Will I receive the coral in the photograph?
For a listing explicitly labelled WYSIWYG, the photographed specimen is the animal on offer. Read any additional notes on the product page too.
Are two corals with the same name identical?
No. They may share a trade name while differing in shape, size, head count and pattern. Compare the individual listings.
Does WYSIWYG mean easy to keep?
No. WYSIWYG describes how the animal is offered for sale. Whether it suits your aquarium depends on its needs and your conditions.
Unsure about a particular specimen? Email the product link to info@coralprime.de so we can discuss the animal you are interested in.
