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Palythoa grandis
Large-polyped Palythoa species. Brown to green large polyps form colonies. Very hardy and tolerant of water quality changes. Popular soft coral for beginners.
Palythoa grandis (family Sphenopidae) is a colonial hexacoral (a button-polyp/zoanthid relative) distributed across Atlantic and Caribbean reefs, bearing especially large polyps for the genus. Large polyps several centimeters across cluster together, showing greens, browns, and golds. It is relatively easy to keep, tolerating moderate lighting and gentle to moderate flow. Feeding is optional, though the thick polyps may capture small seafood pieces. Because Palythoa can contain the potent toxin palytoxin, never handle it with bare hands, wash thoroughly afterward, and never boil or use hot water on it—strict safety precautions are essential. It can be propagated by fragging, but toxin precautions during handling are especially important for this species.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Palythoa Grandis lives 10+ years.
The Palythoa Grandis grows to Individual polyps 2-3cm, colony 30cm+.
The ideal temperature for the Palythoa Grandis is 23〜28℃.
Origin
Atlantic and Caribbean reefs
Lifespan
10+ years
Size
Sources: AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Zoantharia order (Palythoa grandis, Zoantharia). CITES unlisted.
Sources: DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals (Zoantharia not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Individual polyps 2-3cm, colony 30cm+
Temperature
23〜28℃
Photosynthesis + chopped meaty food
Grows under moderate lighting, and low to medium light is enough. Because the polyps are large, place it on open rock where nothing blocks the light.
Adapts to low to moderate flow. Give it gentle current that lets the large polyps open easily, and leave room for the colony to spread.
Keep it within 23-28C. It is relatively easy to keep, but maintain the stable water quality of an ordinary marine tank.
It can be divided by fragging, but palytoxin precautions come first. Wear gloves, never boil or treat it with hot water, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Feed chopped shrimp or squid directly to polyps
Contains palytoxin. Never handle with bare hands
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Palythoa Grandis is 23〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Palythoa Grandis is 10+ years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Palythoa Grandis typically reaches Individual polyps 2-3cm, colony 30cm+ as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Palythoa Grandis feeds on: Photosynthesis + chopped meaty food. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Palythoa Grandis varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 15, 2026