Scientific
Name: Palythoa sp.
Classification: Soft Coral
Common Names: Sea Mats
Description:
Sea Mats are composed of small anemone looking polyps similar to button
polyps. These polyps are connected at the base in a continuous mat
unlike button polyps which is their main distinguishing feature. Sea
Mats tend to have shorter tentacles and be a more colorful group of coral
than button polyps.
At
least some Palythoa are considered toxic. References normally cite
that Palythoa toxica and Palythoa tuberculosa are the two most toxic
species. I do not think that these two species are normally
found in the hobby.
Natural Environment:
? This coral is normally collected in the wild, but it is easily
propagated.
Care:
Hardiness: Sea Mats are very
hardy.
Lighting: Moderate to fairly intense lighting is required to maintain the colors of
some of the brightly colored specimens. They do not seem to like
extremely intense lighting and do not expand well under those
conditions.
Water Current: Sea Mats prefer low to moderate water motion.
Temperature: Does well within a range of at least 76º to 84º F.
Aggressiveness: Very low. Encrusting growth pattern can
lead to encroachment on its neighbors.
Feeding: Sea Mats are photosynthetic and survive with no feeding, but
occasional feeding of small meaty foods like brine shrimp is beneficial and will
result in faster growth.
Supplements: No special requirement are noted. Normal acceptable
water parameters seem to suite it just fine.
Tank Positioning: No special requirements other than keeping them out
of forceful water flow. These specimens are usually placed near the bottom
of the tank.
