Colony Polyp, Multicolored

The Multicolored Colony Polyp is a combination of differently colored polyps on the same rock. All of the polyps included are within the Zoanthus genus, and are commonly referred to as Colony Polyp Corals, Sea Mats, or Button Polyps. Included in this combination are Orange Spot, Yellow and Orange/Red Colony polyps. This is a very uncommon find in the wild, and is definitely a special and rare find in the industry. These polyps are a welcome addition to any reef aquarium, especially a Nano reef where a diversity of species on a single rock is ideal.

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 to high light level combined with a medium water movement within the aquarium. 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, which provide almost all of their nutritional requirements. They should be fed micro-plankton or baby brine shrimp, especially if the lighting is not optimal.

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 1-1/2" to 2-1/2" ; Medium 2-1/2" to 4" ; Large 4" to 6"