Local Distribution & Habitats

Palythoa caesia are inter-tidal colonial sea anemone, which can be found on the reef crest of Heron Island Reef. They often grow among the company of coral and can survive up to 2-20m deep (Tanner, 1999). They are normally found in high-energy shallow water areas where they can form large colonies that cover large area of surface. They prefer high water movement and light as it is found sub-tidally and on reef crest (Borneman, 2004).

Palythoa caesia are dominant competitor with almost all other corals, taking over the coral primacy with its rapid growth rate by growing on top of other corals (Borneman, 2004).

(Fig.2 Map of Heron Island)