Palythoa insignis is found in the eastern Pacific Ocean. A close relative, Palythoa caribaeorum, is found in the Caribbean. This Caribbean species spreads in patches on rocks or on dead corals.

Corals and Anemones (Class Anthozoa) are marine species having about 6,000 members. They are frequently called flower animals. Scientists often call certain groups in this class by different names. The following list serves as an introduction:

Order Alcyonaria - Corals
Order Zoantharia - Hexacorals
Order Actinaria - Sea Anemones
Order Madreporaria - Stony Corals
Order Antipatharia - Black Corals
Order Ceriantharia - Burying Sea Anemones

Corals and Hydra Phylum (Phylum Coelenterata = Cynidaria) are a group of primitive aquatic animals. This phylum contains about 10,000 species. Following are the three main classes:

Class Hydrozoa: - Polyps and Medusae
Class Scyphozoa: - Jellyfish
Class Anthozoa: - Sea Anemones/Corals

This group of animals are unusual as there are two forms for most species. The "medusa" form is free swimming, and the "polyp" form which is usually attached to a substrate.

Animal Kingdom contains numerous organisms that feed on other animals or plants. Included in the animal kingdom are the lower marine invertebrates such as sponges and corals, the jointed legged animals such as insects and spiders, and the backboned animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

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