whats the difference between zoas and palys??

[fast57]

how can you tell if one is a zoa or a paly? whats the real diference?

 

[Peter Eichler]

Seems like a simple question but that'sa tough answer. Even science is still sorting things out. Here's an older article that should help you out a bit.

http://www.reefs.org/library/aquarium_net/0198/0198_1.html

Keep in mind that in the trade it's becoming common for larger polyps to be called a Paly and smaller polyps Zoas and ignoring any sort of scientific data.

 

[geoxman]

$$

 

[fast57]

lol, i like this answer, $$......Thats the way it seems, but why? I've some supposed palys that look better then my zoo's.

 

[650-IS350]

Don't Palythoas have stronger toxin than there smaller counter parts in smaller zoanthids

 

[trottman]

is a RPE a paly? they have a good kick of paly toxin in them

 

[650-IS350]

I think so....

 

[nUgZ]

People Eaters are NOT Palythoa. They are Zoanthus gigantus.

 

[edwing206]

if you mean by looks, then zoas are smaller most of the time.

 

[zeppelin]

In general terms, thats the simplest explaination. In casual conversation, most term zoas as the small, Solomon Island style polyps, while larger polyps, like RPEs are called palys. Scientifically, they are not palythoa, but when referring to 'Zoos' or 'Palys', RPEs are referred to as palys. We were just discussing the need for a more formal listing on Club-Zoa recently, showing scientific name, then breaking down to the common 'name', then showing the color morph variations within that common 'name'. I think zoaid may be headed in that direction. Who Dah has a great site going.

Larry

 

[nUgZ]

People Eaters are NOT Palythoa. As I said before they are Zoanthus gigantus.

http://www.zoaid.com/index.php?module=Gallery2&g2_itemId=2404

 

[zeppelin]

AGAIN, scientifically you are correct, BUT IN CASUAL CONVERSATION with zoanthid enthusiasts PEs ARE referred to as Palys. The scientific classification into gigantus is very recent.

Allot of Zoanthus kuroshio are also commonly referred to as 'palys' in conversation.

 

[nUgZ]

IMO you a doing a disservice to the hobby when you continue to distribute incorrect information like this. These boards, and the hobby in general rely on new information and the correct classification and identification of corals and livestock. Since PE's HAVE been reclassified it is only right to call them by their true name. It's these "casual conversations" filled with outdated information that contribute to the excess amount of incorrect data filling these and other online forums. It is our responsibility as hobbyists to use the most up to date classifications whenever we talk about said coral.

 

[zeppelin]

Loosen up....quite a bit.

The original intent of this thread was the difference between zoos and palys. Very generic, casual terms. Most of us have answered the question with that intent. I'm sorry you take offense to these answers, but I think you will find on the majority of the zoanthid forums, and even zoanthid specific sites like Club-Zoa, that the words zoanthus gigantus rarely are anywhere in any of the threads. Sorry if I am not scientific enough for you. My apologies.

 

[nUgZ]

That's a shame. This hobby wouldn't be where it is today if people didn't adapt to new information. It's a sad statement that even on a Zoanthid specific site the correct names aren't used. Definitely a shame.

 

[edwing206]

i agree with what zeppelin said. i'm pretty sure when people are at fish stores and looking at things they say " look at those cool palys" not "look at those cool zoanthus gigantus" but scientificly speaking you are right nugz.

 

[nUgZ]

It's more correct to call them Zoanthids than Palythoa. My point is that we should use specific terms whenever possible to identify corals and livestock. Over-generalization leads to more incorrect information. It's like saying all SPS or LPS have the same requirements. Read this article and maybe it'll sink in.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-03/cj/index.php

 

[fast57]

when i started this thread my real intent was to know the difference so that if you went to an LFS or swap and had seen some that the seller called"rare zoa's" or "rare palys" were realy what they said they were. I have about 20 different kinds in my tank. If I were to sell any of them to someone i'd want to be sure that they were what I said they were. Relax people......

 

[nUgZ]

Zeppelin- I'm not trying to jump on you or anything. I and many people appreciate all the help and good information you give on this forum. You have contributed a great deal to many people here. For that reason I think it's even more important that people like you use the correct terminology and classifications since some people may take what you have to say to heart as opposed to some random person. Like I said I'm not trying to jump on you but I think it's important to see the need for correct information when possible.

 

[nUgZ]

fast57- If your concerned about calling things what they actually are you should be even more diligent in finding out the true names. If you're selling PE's then you need to identify them correctly. That was my whole point. Thanks.