Common name: Palythoa Mutuki

General information

Palythoa mutuki, commonly known as the Golden Zoanthid or Yellow Button Polyp, is a species of colonial anemones that are popular in the reef aquarium hobby for their vibrant colors and ease of care. They are part of the Zoanthidae family and are closely related to Zoanthus species, sharing similar care requirements and growth patterns.

Care

Golden Zoanthids are hardy and can thrive in a range of lighting conditions, from moderate to high intensity. They prefer moderate water flow to help keep their surfaces free of detritus and to facilitate feeding. These polyps are photosynthetic, hosting symbiotic algae known as zooxanthellae, but they also benefit from supplemental feeding of planktonic foods.

Reproduction

Reproduction in Palythoa mutuki occurs both sexually and asexually. Asexually, they can propagate through budding, where new polyps form directly from the base of an existing polyp. Sexually, they release gametes into the water column, where fertilization occurs. Hobbyists can encourage asexual reproduction by fragging, which involves carefully cutting and separating polyps to form new colonies.

Symbiosis

While not hosting fish or other large organisms, Palythoa mutuki can be part of a diverse reef community, providing structure and shelter for small invertebrates and microfauna. Their mats can also help stabilize substrate in the aquarium.

Habitat

In the wild, Palythoa mutuki is found in shallow reef environments, often in areas with sandy bottoms and rubble zones. They are distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, forming extensive mats that contribute to the reef structure.