Captain Jerk Palythoa Coral
Captain Jerk Palythoa Coral
Captain Jerk Palythoa Coral (Palythoa sp.)
The Captain Jerk Palythoa Coral is a bold and colorful polyp coral known for its distinctive pattern, contrasting coloration, and colony-forming growth. Its larger fleshy polyps create an eye-catching display and make Captain Jerks a great choice for adding color and texture to zoanthid and palythoa gardens or mixed reef aquariums.
Palythoa are generally hardy and adaptable, making them popular with both newer and experienced reef keepers. Under favorable conditions, Captain Jerk Palythoa can develop additional polyps and spread across nearby rockwork, gradually forming a dense colony. Providing dedicated rockwork can help control their spread within the aquarium.
Recommended Care
- Scientific Name: Palythoa sp.
- Common Name: Captain Jerk Palythoa
- Care Level: Easy
- Lighting: Low to moderate, approximately 50–150 PAR
- Water Flow: Low to moderate — enough flow to prevent debris from settling while allowing the polyps to remain fully open
- Placement: Lower to middle areas of the aquarium
- Temperament: Generally peaceful, but colonies can spread aggressively onto nearby rockwork
- Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic; occasional fine particulate or appropriately sized coral foods may support growth
- Growth: Moderate to fast under favorable conditions
- Reef Safe: Yes, although spreading colonies should be managed
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 75–79°F
- Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
- Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
- Calcium: 400–450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1,250–1,400 ppm
Maintain stable reef aquarium parameters and gradually acclimate the coral to your aquarium's lighting and flow. Coloration can vary depending on lighting spectrum, intensity, nutrients, and viewing conditions.
Handling Warning: Palythoa may contain palytoxin, a potentially dangerous toxin. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling or fragging these corals, avoid contact with your eyes or mouth, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Never boil, steam, or expose Palythoa-covered rock to hot water.