Knobbed Zoanthidean

About

The knobbed zoanthidean (Palythoa mammillosa) is a colonial zoanthid native to the subtropical Western Atlantic, with its range documented from the Caribbean's St. Vincent and the Grenadines up through the waters of the United States and Canada. Like other members of the Palythoa genus, it forms encrusting mats where individual polyps are embedded in a shared, sand-incorporated tissue called the coenenchyme. And it's that shared tissue that gives this species its characteristically bumpy, knobbed surface texture, which is also the source of its common name. In the aquarium, this is a genuinely forgiving coral that suits newer reef keepers well. It asks for moderate lighting and moderate flow, and it doesn't demand the high-intensity conditions that challenge many other coral species. Placement on rockwork where it can gradually spread works well, and it should be given some room to expand without overgrowing more sensitive neighbors. As with all zoanthids and palythoas, handling with care is strongly advised. Many species in this group contain palytoxin, a potent naturally occurring compound, and basic precautions like gloves during fragging or handling are simply good practice regardless of species.