divepix - Hydroid Zoanthid

Hydroid Zoanthid

Aspect:	Colonies encrust main and secondary branches of Feather Bush Hydroids (q.v.), to the point of completely "sleeving" them. When not deployed, polyps form a lump of the same colour as the encrusting base.
Population:	As common as their bearers.
Notable feature:	As some of the photographs herewith show, these zoanthids can vary in colour from pale yellow through orange and maroon to brown. The polyps are of the same colour tone as their encrusting base.
Environment:	Same as Feather Bush Hydroid.
Behaviour:	Polyps retract when disturbed.