Typically palythoa form mats.eg sea mat.. Protopalythoa don't eg most of the others. I think I ruined Gary's wagering. So if they look like AOGs, they are most likely protopaythoa.
The term playthoa is commonly used for both but it is always better to be precise. You can always say zoanthidae(the family name) and be safe covering in several genera including: palythoa, protopalythoa,zoanthus.acrozoanthus, isaurus. Many just use the term polyps. The distinctions are often important,however, since they come from different environs :high reeef . lagoons. turbid water, etc. Some need clean water some don't . Some like to eat ; others don't . Most like light but some do better in lower light : others particularly zoanthus like it bright and clean.
