This is what i found... Since some of the pieces at the store also had fire coral (millipora) on them i believe this is an accurate description of this type of polyp....
Palythoa:
Members of this genus all look more or less the same,
quite like faviid corals with which they are often confused.
As mentioned previously, the coenenchyme is thickened into a cushion in which the polyps are embedded.
The coenenchyme also contains sand grains.
The color is usually pale yellow or brown, but fluorescent green colonies occur in some regions,
and I observed some with fluorescent orange pigment in the Solomon Islands.
A small colorful crab, Platypodiella, is associated with this zoanthid and apparently feeds on it, potentially
obtaining a benefit from the toxin(s) the zoanthid produces (Delbeek and Sprung, 1997).
Palythoa spp are most common on reef flats or the tops of reefs,
where they may form colonies several metres across.
They often occur in a zone mixed with fire corals (Millepora spp.).
They may also occur on reef slopes, usually as small colonies.
Degraded reefs may become overgrown by them, and they are able to out-compete stony corals.
In the aquarium one should be careful not to place Palythoa where it will contact stony corals.
Palythoa spp. grow best under strong illumination, and should be offered planktonic foods,
such as copepods, Artemia, or Daphnia.
Palythoa species are recognized by having a coenenchyme that contains bits of debris and reef
elements that help to support the polyp. The colonies may form large tracts of individual colonies
that often grow in a curved convex shape and usually remain less than a foot across.
They have polyps with wide flattened oral disks and variously shaped tentacles surrounding the outer
margin of the oral disk. Their colors are typically more muted shades of brown with some fluorescent
elements to the tentacles and oral disks common. They may also have a marbled or striated pattern on the
oral disk. Palythoa are normally voracious feeders, accepting food willingly. The overall need for
feeding is somewhat questionable, although most zoanthids do not produce enough energy from photosynthesis
to meet their daily needs. They reproduce by budding from their stolons, remaining attached and connected
by the coenenchyme.
Palythoa are often the first to bleach in extreme summer doldrums, though their hardiness usually
allows for complete recovery pending the removal of temporary environmental stress.
Partial bleaching or "paling" of colonies is common within specimens offered in the aquarium trade,
as many have been subjected to fairly atrocious conditions in transit. Being hardy animals,
often less care is given to them than more fragile animals. It is notable, though, that zoanthids usually
can and do recover nicely once exposed to good aquarium conditions in the hobbyists' own tanks.
