Palythoa Heliodiscus

Palythoa heliodiscus is a large-polyp Palythoa species described from Fiji in 2003 and first placed in the genus Protopalythoa. The oral disc is broad and brown-green; the short tentacles around it form a ring that resembles the rays of the sun. It enters aquariums both as colonies sold in the trade and as polyps that arrive unintentionally on live rock.

Palytoxin warning: This species and its close relative Palythoa cf. toxica have been found responsible in a significant share of aquarium poisonings where the culprit could be identified; palytoxin levels can be very high. Always use gloves and protective eyewear, and do not touch colonies out of the water; do not put the rock in boiling water and do not clean it with steam or a brush. If you need to remove it, take it out together with the piece of rock, under water. If you develop fever, shortness of breath or burning in the eyes, see a doctor immediately (in Türkiye, the National Poison Information Center: 114).

• Moderate light (about 80–200 PAR) and moderate flow.
• On its own rock in the middle or lower zone of the rockwork, so it can be kept in check without handling.
• Salinity 1.024–1.026, KH 7–11 dKH; it is hardy and tolerant of nutrients.
• Running activated carbon continuously reduces any toxin that may pass into the water.

It photosynthesizes and also catches small morsels such as fine zooplankton and mysis; feeding 1–2 times a week speeds up growth.

It does not sting its neighbors, but over time it can spread and cover the rock surface. Leave 5–10 cm of clear space from other corals. Keep it away from stinging LPS corals and anemones.