Sunny D palythoa (Palythoa heliodiscus) care guide

Group
Corals
Other names
Sunny D paly, Sun palythoa, Paly
Family
Sphenopidae
Origin
Indo-Pacific and Red Sea reefs
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
beginner
Reef safe
yes
Lighting
Moderate
Flow
Medium

Care

Palythoa heliodiscus is a palythoa, a zoanthid relative with larger polyps whose bases are partly embedded in sand grains, forming fleshy mats. This species has wide, flat polyps with short tentacles round the edge, in browns, yellows and greens; the trade name Sunny D is used for bright yellow-orange forms. It is not sold by name at LiveAquaria; the care below draws on its button polyp listing (described as a palythoa). Placement: middle of the rockwork in moderate light and medium flow, preferably on an isolated rock. Water: about 22–26 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, dKH 8–12. Iodine and trace elements help. It is easy to keep and spreads under good conditions. Safety: zoanthids and palythoa contain palytoxin, a dangerous toxin. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling or fragging them, and never boil or scrub rock carrying them. Palythoa are not CITES-listed. Maricultured pieces are available. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/button-polyp-red-people-eater). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Photosynthetic; it also takes micro-plankton, baby brine shrimp and fine meaty foods, which help if light is weak.

Breeding

Easy. It buds new polyps from the base. Cut clumps apart with a scalpel and glue them to plugs. Wear gloves and eye protection because of palytoxin.

Compatibility and tank mates

It can sting other polyps and corals, though not strongly, and it crowds out neighbours as it spreads, so leave ample space.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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