Need a few ID's with pics

[pufferpoison]

Ok for my birthday, my GF bought be some zoas. Any ID would be great.

 

[ReeferKimberly]

First ones are eagle eye zoas (or whammin watermelon if they are more green in different light) and the other look like palys but I don't know what kind. Second ones almost remind me of button polyps because of how they grow but I don't think they are, still palys I think, but not sure.

 

[pufferpoison]

what's the difference between zoas and palys? is it just size?

 

[ReeferKimberly]

There are zoas, palys and protopalys. All three different but similar. Some palys are smaller than some zoas. Some have very long stalks, some are short. So size not 'always' a determining factor, just sometimes. Palys are usually bigger though, yes. The real answer is palys use sand etc to build tissue. It is all 'scientificy' and I am tired. I will look for the link though that explains it better. I forgot if it is palys or protopalys that use the grains....I will go look.

 

[ReeferKimberly]

Here, all you wanted to know and more

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/2/inverts

 

[ReeferKimberly]

Just know the third ones you posted will likely grow VERY fast and take over stuff you might not want taken over. Notice them ALL over my tank. I would go back in time and NOT get them. They can be pretty though, as with everything. But so was the xenia that dominates my coral as well :/