Colony Polyp, Purple Dragon

The Purple Dragon Colony Polyp transforms your aquarium into a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of magical colors. Both serious Zoanthid collector and budding reef aquarium enthusiast will find the hypnotically stunning Purple Dragon Colony Polyp irresistible. The center green coloration of this "Zoa dragon" is touched with a beautiful tropical purple to form an exotic "pupil." A deep indigo blue ring forms an "iris" that contrasts boldly against the smoldering brick red coloration of the tentacles.

The Purple Dragon Colony Polyp is a spectacular color variety of Zoanthus Colony Polyp Corals (also known as Sea Mats, or Button Polyps). As colonial animals, the Purple Dragon Colony Polyp is made up of multiple individual polyps attached to a piece of live rock.

The Purple Dragon Colony Polyp adds an impressive flush of color that is visually stimulating yet harmonious thanks to the repeating, colonial nature of the polyp corals. Over time, an established colony of Purple Dragon Colony Polyp will create a living carpet that will distinguish your reef aquarium from the average setup.

The Purple Dragon Colony Polyp has the ability to sting other polyps or corals. While the sting is not strong, be sure to provide sufficient space between the Purple Dragon Colony Polyp and other corals because of its semi-aggressive temperament and potential to crowd out neighbors.

Similar to other Zoanthus Colony Polyp Corals, the Purple Dragon Colony Polyp is easy to maintain, making it a good choice for beginner reef aquarists. The Purple Dragon Colony Polyp requires moderate light levels combined with medium water movement within the aquarium. For continued good health, the Purple Dragon Colony Polyp will also require the addition of iodine and other trace elements.

Under ideal conditions, the Purple Dragon Colony Polyp will multiply without difficulty in home reef aquariums by budding (splitting off a portion of their base or mouth) to increase the size of the colony. The Purple Dragon Colony Polyp contains the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae which satisfies almost all of its nutritional requirements. If the lighting is not optimal, the Purple Dragon Colony Polyp should be fed micro-plankton or baby brine shrimp.

It is common to receive a rock that is not completely covered in polyps. However, under the right conditions, they will quickly spread across this and surrounding rocks in the aquarium.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Large: 4" to 5"