info on Palithoa - Reply

[Walt, Jaap]

Dear Mabel Augustowski: 

Thank you for your communication.  I think that you are referring to Palythoa, a 
colonial zooanthid that occurs commonly in shallow reef and rock habitats.  It is 
not uncommon for the colonies to turn stark white in mid to late summer or 
during periods of low wind and intense sun exposure.  It is one of the first 
species to "bleach".   When it bleaches, the stoma or mouths often contract 
and the surface appears to be without any structure.  As long as the stress is 
not severe or long-lasting, the organism will recover and regain color in two 
months or less.