两种新的zoanthids，Palythoa Mizigama&Palythoa Umbrosawere described earlier this year but we’re just now getting a good look at the appearance of these novel zoanthids. What makes the two newPalythoaspecies really interesting is not just that they are nonphotosynthetic, but that they are azoox species of a genus that is best known for photosynthetic species.
Nonphotosynthetic or Azooxanthellate (Azoox) zoanthids have been known about for decades with species fromAbyssoanthus和Neozoanthusonly being known from extreme depths where virtually out of the reach of sunlight. These zoanthids literally never see the light of day, as is the case for many species of deepwater corals.
The new azooxPalythoa在日本南部的Ryukyu群岛中发现了物种。尽管是azooxanthellate，但P. mizigama和P. umbrosumwere collected in the relatively shallow depth of 2 to 12 meters (6 to 40 feet) where light is still plenty available for photosynthesis. In this well-lit environment the two newPalythoaswere found living in shaded areas, in walls or caves where light availability is quite reduced.
Thanks to some pictures of some in-situ living specimens ofPalythoa Mizigama我们可以看到，这些息肉与收藏家喧嚣的美丽息肉和疯狂的彩色zoanthids没有什么不同。Reefers首先要考虑的是对Azooxanthellate物种的描述Palythoais the importance of feeding your zoanthids.
It is well known that zoanthids are easy to keep if they are provided with a moderate degree of light, medium flow and a stable environment. However we also know that zoanthids thrive especially well in tanks with higher nutrient aquarium water.
The discovery of two new species ofPalythoathat subsist only on a heterotrophic lifestyle should prompt zoanthid keepers to really take extra special care to feed their most prized zoanthids. Sure your palys andZoanthuspolyps will probably live just fine on good quality light and dissolved organic matter but you’ll have to feed them variety of foods to get the best growth, look and color from this popular group of reef animals. [Zookeys]
