White Encrusting Zoanthid
Palythoa caribaeorum
- Group: Coral
- For divers: safe
This zoanthid spreads as a smooth white mat over reef rock and rubble across intertidal and subtidal flats. Many polyps share a common base and host symbiotic algae, and the colony can blanket large patches of hard bottom in the surge zone.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Cnidaria › Hexacorallia › Zoantharia › Sphenopidae › Palythoa
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 288456.
FAQ
- Is the White Encrusting Zoanthid dangerous to divers?
- The White Encrusting Zoanthid is harmless to divers.