no it's not...if you touch this, it retracts similar to green star polyps. You can slight see the base...it's similar in the way it grows.

Which brings me to this question. How can you tell the difference between an encrusting gorgonian and a star polyp? I've got something in my tank that looks like a GSP, but it's not that dark purple color, it's more like this...and the polyps are more like this and only show a slight hint of green when only the actinics are on.

Sorry to hijack this, but I figured I'd add my question after sticking up for ya LOL.

Dee