Description
Buy Green Palythoa Coral (Palythoa sp.) in South Africa from Silkworm Shop in Johannesburg. This coral is supplied as a frag of 3 to 5 heads (polyps), in a vivid green with a lime-yellow centre.
About Palythoa Coral (Palythoa sp.)
Palythoa, often called “pallies” or button polyps, are hardy soft corals closely related to zoanthids (“zoas”). The polyps grow joined together on a shared mat and spread into a bright carpet over rock. They are forgiving, fast to settle in, and a popular choice for beginner reef tanks.
Coral care at a glance
- Common name: Green Palythoa (pally, button polyp)
- Scientific name: Palythoa sp.
- Type: Soft coral
- Difficulty: Easy – suitable for beginners
- Lighting: Low to high (roughly PAR 30–150). Introduce to stronger light gradually.
- Water flow: Moderate flow, enough to keep the polyps open and clear of debris.
- Placement: Lower to mid section of the aquarium. Leave room, as it spreads over nearby rock.
- Temperament: Peaceful, but it can overgrow its neighbours as it spreads.
- Feeding: Photosynthetic. It takes up dissolved nutrients and small particles, and will also accept small meaty foods now and then.
Handle with care
Palythoa and zoanthids can contain a harmful toxin (palytoxin). Wear gloves and eye protection when you handle or frag them, never let the coral or its juices touch cuts or your eyes, and never boil or scrape dry rock holding them. Wash your hands and equipment well afterwards, and keep them away from children and pets.
Recommended water parameters
- Temperature: 24–27°C
- Salinity: 1.024–1.026 (35 ppt)
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Alkalinity: 8–11 dKH
- Calcium: 400–450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
Stability matters more than perfect numbers. Avoid sudden swings in alkalinity, temperature and salinity.
Acclimation recommendation
- Float the sealed bag in your aquarium for 15–20 minutes so the temperature matches. Keep the lights low while you do this.
- Dip the coral in a coral dip, following the dip’s instructions, to help prevent pests and hitchhikers. Use a separate container, wear gloves, and never pour the dip or the transport water into your tank.
- Drip acclimate for 30–45 minutes. Place the coral in a clean container and slowly drip your tank water in, so salinity and pH adjust gently.
- Glue the frag onto a rock or plug with coral glue or putty, in a lower-light spot with moderate flow.
- Be patient. The polyps may stay closed for a day or two after the move. They should open and extend again once settled.
Tips for success
- Place it once and leave it. Moving a coral repeatedly stresses it.
- Keep it clear of stinging neighbours such as hammers and frogspawn.
- Increase the light slowly over a couple of weeks.
These are general care guidelines. Every aquarium is different, so always observe your coral and adjust to suit your system.
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