In general, corals coming from the genus Palythoa are classified as zoanthids with colonies that are embedded hard in the substrate and is often covered by its protruding polyps. Each polyp has an oral disc or mouth that is flat in shape and surrounded by a fringe of tentacles.

Palythoa corals are commonly known as Moon polyps, Sea mats, Encrusting anemones, Button polyps, and Zoanthid button polyps. They can be found all over the world and mainly inhabit coral reef areas.

Zoanthids and Palythoa are found in corals reefs around the world. These polyps are harvested mainly from the islands of the Indopacific including Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Zoanthids and Palythoa have an incredible array of colors and patterns that make them one of the most popular corals in the reef aquarium hobby.

Palythoas are known to incorporate a tank's substrate into their skin in order to provide more protection. You may be able to find little flecks of substrate, such as crushed shells and sand, on the surface of your coral's skin. This will give it a rougher and thicker appearance. If your coral's skin looks like this, it is most likely a Palythoa.

Zoanthid corals are soft corals known as colony-forming anemones. These decorative ornamental corals are commonly called ‘button polyps’, ‘sun polyps’ or ‘zoas’. Species of Zoanthid coral (e.g. Palythoa species and Zoanthus species) can contain a highly toxic, naturally-occurring and potentially lethal substance known as Palytoxin.