A palythoa that forms thick, rubbery mats of polyps embedded in a sandy, encrusted base. Polyps are usually brown, tan or green. Neither LiveAquaria nor Top Shelf Aquatics lists this species; the figures are general guidance for the genus, not from a source. The figures follow LiveAquaria's Zoanthus page, a close relative. Placement: low to middle, on its own rock. Light and flow: moderate light and medium flow. Water: very hardy; iodine and trace elements help. Growth: fast; it can spread aggressively. Safety: zoanthids and palythoa can contain palytoxin, a very potent toxin. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling or fragging them, keep cuts away from the tissue, and never boil, scrub or pressure-wash rock that carries them. Palythoa species are among the most toxic. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/colony-polyp-zoanthus-corals). Checked October 2026.
Diet
Photosynthetic, and Palythoa readily take meaty foods such as mysis or fine coral foods.
Breeding
Cut polyps off with a scalpel and glue to plugs, wearing gloves and eye protection. It also spreads on its own.
Compatibility and tank mates
Spreads over neighbouring corals and rock; keep it isolated. Its weak sting can still harm neighbours.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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