Home > Invertebrates > Sea Anemones > Isaurus tuberculatus

Updated 3/4/2024

Family Zoanthidae

CIRCUMTROPICAL

Isaurus tuberculatus  

Adult, Makapu'u tidepool, O'ahu
Juvenile, Makapu'u tidepool, O'ahu	Halona Blowhole, O'ahu
Pupukea Firehouse, O'ahu, 10 feet
Wawamalu, Oahu

SNAKE POLYP or LUMPY ZOANTHID

This colonial zoanthid is frequently misidentified as a young sea cucumber.  It is uncommon within shaded pockets or crevices on shallow reefs exposed to wave action.  Mature polyps develop tough knobby green or gray-brown skin, attached strongly to the substrate by smooth brown columns.  Attains length of 4 inches.  Worldwide in warm seas.  Avoid contact since it may contain deadly Palytoxin.  Formerly known as Isaurus elongatus.