Isaurus tuberculatus

Gray, 1828

Snake Polyps, Warty Sea Mat

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: South Africa to Hawaii, and south to Australia.

Natural Environment: Inhabits intertidal rocks.

General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the trade.

Polyps are generally closed during the day in the wild, and open at night to feed on plankton. See photo with open polyp feeding.

Nevertheless, it does contain zooxanthellae, and supplemental feedings of baby brine shrimp will help the polyps multiply.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Hexacorallia

Order: Zoantharia

Suborder: Brachycnemina

Family: Zoanthidae

Genus: Isaurus

FYI: For far more general information about these corals, see my article titled 'Zoanthids - A Wide Range to Choose From' in the 'Article" section of this website.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Diet: Photosynthetic/Zooplankton feeder

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe:With caution

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately difficult

Calcium (Ca): 380 - 430 mg/l

Alkalinity: 2.5 - 3.0 meq/l

Phosphate (PO4): <0.05 mg/l

Magnesium (Mg): approx. 1350 mg/l (relate to specific gravity)

Strontium (Sr) 8 - 10 mg/l

Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F (22 - 27°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Lighting: PAR 350+

Water Movement: WM 2

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4

Iodine/Trace Elements Monitor/as necessary to maintain quality seawater.