difference between zoa's and paly's
- Thread starter Timmo760
- Start date
dalston
Active member
Ah, it's actually a very good question!
There are many genus of zoanthids...most of what we see in the hobby are zoanthus or protopalythoa (nuclear green type polyp) True palythoa are also known as sea mats and are not common in this hobby. They are more of a mat which draw sand up to contsruct themselves. Here is a pic from another thread of true palythoa http://reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=15112551&postcount=12
Here is also an article by Bob Fenner explaining in depth the different traits of all the genus...http://www.wetwebmedia.com/zoanthid.htm
There are many genus of zoanthids...most of what we see in the hobby are zoanthus or protopalythoa (nuclear green type polyp) True palythoa are also known as sea mats and are not common in this hobby. They are more of a mat which draw sand up to contsruct themselves. Here is a pic from another thread of true palythoa http://reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=15112551&postcount=12
Here is also an article by Bob Fenner explaining in depth the different traits of all the genus...http://www.wetwebmedia.com/zoanthid.htm
bekindtoyurbuds
New member
Good Info "Dalston"
The only question that is stupid is the one that is not asked, As long as you ask it, the question is not stupid.
What better way to learn then by asking a question. (the best way, imop)
How else would we know, what we do not know, by asking questions
The only question that is stupid is the one that is not asked, As long as you ask it, the question is not stupid.
What better way to learn then by asking a question. (the best way, imop)
How else would we know, what we do not know, by asking questions
ADMTyPeReEf-eR
New member
in general, zoas are smaller in size compared to palys.
This is the all too often repeated myth/misperception that results in 99% of the popular larger polyps we keep generically referred to as "palys". When they are simply large zoanthids.
Most all of the retailers do the same thing which just keeps the myth and misinformation going.
Good thing the care is generally the same.
commonstranger
New member
Great pic to describe something. I learned something. Thanks
holdyourlight
New member
i call it a paly if it will accept food...otherwise its a zoo...dont know if thats technically correct though! but its the way i've always thought of it
Good thread. 
SIR PATRICK
New member
I go by holdyourlight's method along with the presance of sand in the polyps tissue. If either of these happen/are presant, I call it a paly and not a zoa.
Speedracer84
New member
i also use the feeding attempt to determine if its zoa or paly if im not sure...
