Corallimorpharian

Description:

Polyps of P. hoplites prey mainly on echinoderms: some types of sea urchin; sea cucumbers (Synapta maculata); asteroids, including the crown-of-thorns sea star (Acanthaster planci); and was observed to feed on nudibranchs as well (Phyllidiella pustulosa was used in a feeding experiment). The corallimorph polyp can attain a maximum diameter of 21cm. Dottyback fish, gobies, wrasses, damsels and cardinalfish have been observed to live unharmed near or among the tentacles of this corallimorph. It also plays host to commensal shrimp (Periclimenes holthuisi, Periclimenes lacerate, Stenopus hispidus and Thor amboinensis).

Habitat:

Found at depths of 1 to 28m, although majority have been observed to live in water of less than 10m. They prefer to settle under coral ledges and in reef crevices.

Notes:

These are pictures of various individuals, spotted at different locations and occasions. [1] A color form of P. hoplites. [2] The corallimorph with commensal shrimp (Ancylomenes venustus). [3] A juvenile individual, measuring about 2cm in diameter. [4] Another color form; the corallimorph attached to a dead coral. [5] P. hoplites feeding on a blue sea star (Linckia laevigata).