Red People Eater Polyp Rock - Palythoa sp.

Palythoa polyps depend heavily on lighting and the zooxanthellate algae found in the polyps. While they will tolerate lower light, they will thrive if kept under higher light. They can also be target-fed occassionally with foods like brine shrimp or finely chopped mysis, clam, shrimp or other meaty foods.

Palythoa polyps can spread quickly over surfaces and may even overgrow other corals. They should be places in areas with plenty of room to spread where they will not endanger other corals in the aquarium. They should also have moderate to high flow.

Some Palythoa polyps secrete a toxin known as "palytoxin". This substance is known as one of the most powerful and dangerous toxins in nature, but a reaction beyond a mild skin rash is very rare. Avoid coming into contact with polyps for prolonged periods or with any open cuts or wounds; the use of gloves when handling your polyps is recommended.