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.
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.