ID this polyp?

[Mattie H.]

In the pic, the polyp with the long tentacles just to the left of the hairy mushroom is the one in question. It just appeared one day, and has been growing bigger and bigger. It is now about a half inch in diameter, brown with a green center. It's pretty. Any idea of what it is? Thanks!

 

[Scotty Buttons]

Looks like some kind of palythoa.

 

[Reefhabit]

Yeah it's a palythoa for sure. I would get rid of it before it takes over that rock but, if you like it keep it. Just remember that palythoas contain palytoxin so be careful if you decide to remove it.

 

[Mattie H.]

Thanks! It's been there for a while, no expansion yet. It's neat looking, wouldn't mind it expanding a bit. It's on an outlying rock so I'm not to worried about it taking over everything.