Clowns in anStar Polyp

[wwidener]

I'm aware that clowns will try to find a host of most anything but I'm more concerned with the star polyp (lower right corner), do you think they are damaging the polyp?

Also, the candy apple zoa has spread to the coral up top on the left. First, what it the big soft coral? Do you think the zoa will damage this coral?

Thanks

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

Zoas will not sting other zoas but they will grow over each other if one species grows faster than another.

The star polyp you are referring to is actually a goniopora and clownfish will kill these corals through their hosting habits, I've personally gone through this.

A clownfish would have little chance killing actual green star polyps.