Colony Polyp, Orange Spot

The Orange Spot Colony Polyp Coral, also referred to as a Sea Mat, or Button Polyp, originates from the reefs of Indonesia. They are a colonial coral that under the right conditions will rapidly spread across the rockwork of the aquarium. This variety of Zoanthus has bright orange centers and green tentacles. They are an easy to maintain coral that will adapt to many different lighting conditions within the aquarium.

These polyps have the ability to sting other polyps or corals. While the sting is not strong, they are semi-aggressive and need to have space between their colony and any neighbors since they tend to crowd them out. They are easy to maintain, making them a good choice for beginner reef aquarists. They require a moderate light level combined with a medium water movement within the aquarium. They will adapt and become more brightly colored under intense lighting. For continued good health, they will also require the addition of iodine and other trace elements to the water.

They will reproduce easily in the reef aquarium by budding (splitting off a portion of their base or mouth), which will increase the size of their colony.

They contain the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae providing almost all of their nutritional requirements. Especially if the lighting is not optimal, they should be fed zooplankton or brine shrimp.

It is common to receive a rock that is not completely covered in polyps. However, under the right conditions, they will quickly spread across this and surrounding rocks in the aquarium.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2" to 3-1/4"; Large: 3" to 5"