Paly/zoa growth question

[Keko21]

I have a palythoa polyp that had been opening only a few times a day. The rest of the time it is half open or fully closed. There are a few baby polyps below it- wondering if it is closing to let the little ones get more light?
The other polyps are open.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

There are new theories that trees have nurturing tendencies for their sapplings, could it be that corals also have a nurturing instinct for their offspring?

Personally, I think not, I would guess that something is bothering the pally for it not to be open all day.

 

[Bot587]

During growth zoanthids closest to the new growth may close up. I see this more with frags then I do with colonies

Don’t try to move it or dip it unless you see deterioration (I.e the closed polyp looks like it’s melting or shrinking)

 

[Keko21]

It is the one closest to 3 little ones right under it and is just a frag. I have this one and two others which all seem to be doing just fine. Just noticed this one polyp opening and closing and staying half open. Very interesting if it “knows” the ones under it need light to grow.

 

[Keko21]

Just noticed this little sucker not a paly polyp…

 

[fish farmer]

Tube worm or aiptasia.

 

[Keko21]

Tube worm or aiptasia.

Either way its been surgically removed. I dont see any others in the tank so hopefully I got to it in time before any spreading.

 

[homer1475]

Aiptasia.

Just a FYI, next time take pics under white lights so we can actually see what your talking about, and not justa big blue photo.