Paly/zoa growth question

Keko21 · Dec 3, 2022

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.

LordofCinder · Dec 3, 2022

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 · Dec 3, 2022

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 · Dec 3, 2022

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.