Description
Palythoa sp. – Palythoa spp.
Palythoa spp., collectively known as the Palythoa, are robust and vividly colored colonial polyps renowned for their large size, rich texture, and effortless adaptability. Each polyp features a thick, fleshy column and a wide oral disc, often displaying bold concentric color rings and textured tentacles. Ranging from deep greens and browns to fluorescent oranges, purples, and metallic blues, Palythoa colonies create dramatic visual impact and natural movement within the reef. Their resilience and broad color diversity make them both a beginner-friendly coral and a collector’s staple in mixed soft coral systems.
Lighting: Moderate (80–150 PAR); displays its best fluorescence and color depth under blue-heavy LED or hybrid lighting systems
Flow: Moderate; prefers gentle, alternating flow that allows polyps to sway naturally without causing retraction or debris buildup
Placement: Bottom to mid-level on rock or rubble; will encrust and spread over available surfaces—use isolated placement to control growth
Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
Calcium: 400–440 ppm
Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
Nutrients: Moderate (NO₃ 5–15 ppm, PO₄ 0.05–0.10 ppm); stable, slightly nutrient-rich water supports thick tissue growth and vivid coloration
Feeding: Photosynthetic; may absorb dissolved organics but benefits from occasional target feeding with coral food or fine meaty blends to boost growth
Aggression: Moderate; non-stinging but capable of overgrowing nearby corals if left unchecked
Growth Rate: Fast; forms spreading mats and dense colonies under stable reef conditions
Care Level: Easy – durable, forgiving, and well-suited for aquarists of all levels
Compatibility: Peaceful; ideal for soft coral and mixed reefs when given adequate space to expand
⚠️ Note: As with all Palythoa species, colonies may contain palytoxin—a potent natural toxin. Always handle with gloves and protective eyewear when fragging, cleaning, or repositioning polyps.
