Metallic Green Star Polyp Rock - Pachyclavularia sp. - Large

Star polyps are found in oceans around the world, but are commonly harvested from the Indo-Pacific. They are are found in various forms and colors. Typically, their polyps are white, brown, or metallic green in coloration and the encrusting "mat" they grow from is purple. Some polyps will even have prominent "eyes" of white or green. These are attractive in the aquarium due to their color and their encrusting nature.

These corals are often confused with Encrusting Gorgonians and Pipe Organ Corals, which all have similiar polyp shape. When the polyps are expanded and obscure the underlying structure they can be difficult to distinguish at first glance. Two genera are usually known as "Encrusting Gorgonians" or as "Star polyps" - Briareum sp. and Pachyclavularia sp.. The differences between the two are small and it has been suggested that Pachyclavularia may be a synonym of and may eventually be reclassified as Briareum. Briareum sp. is usually classified by a brown or tan base, while Pachyclavularia sp. usually has a brighter purple base (especially Pachyclavularia violacea).

Under the right conditions this species may grow quickly and may be invasive to other corals. However, providing amble room between corals in the aquarium should prevent them from becoming too invasive. Invertebrate food such as MicroVert, Marine Snow, or Cyclop-eeze are recommended on an occasional basis.