Caribbean mat zoanthid (Palythoa caribaeorum)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Palythoa caribaeorum
- Common name
- Caribbean mat zoanthid
- Category
- Cnidarians
- Family
- Sphenopidae
- Genus
- Palythoa
- Size
- 30–200 cm
- Depth
- 1–20 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef, coral-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, colonial
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean
Description
Palythoa caribaeorum forms colonial mats reaching several square meters. Caribbean zoanthid (Sphenopidae) with massive colonial body uniformly beige-yellow to beige-brown, polyps tightly packed forming flat covering, oral discs with barely distinguishable small tentacles. Lives from 1 to 20 m on Caribbean rocky and coral reefs, Florida to Brazil. Contains palytoxin, one of the most powerful known neurotoxins; contact and manipulation to be absolutely avoided. Common Caribbean dive photo subject for large colored mats, to be respected.
Photo of Caribbean mat zoanthid
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Caribbean mat zoanthid?
- Caribbean mat zoanthid (Palythoa caribaeorum) reaches 30–200 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Caribbean mat zoanthid?
- Caribbean mat zoanthid is found between 1–20 m deep.
- Is the Caribbean mat zoanthid dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Caribbean mat zoanthid?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Caribbean mat zoanthid?
- Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean.
Similar species
- Cyanea capillata - Lion's mane jellyfish
- Plumularia setacea - Feathery hydroid
- Cassiopea andromeda - Upside-down jellyfish
- Condylactis gigantea - Giant Caribbean anemone
- Bartholomea annulata - Corkscrew anemone
- Zoanthus sociatus - Green sea mat
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 288456)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5841759)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia