Orange zoanthid polyps (Epizoanthus scotinus) form colonies that spread over rocky surfaces and prefer the underside of rock overhangs or vertical rock faces in a moderate current. The individual polyps along the outer edges of the colony reproduce asexually by budding, so the entire mat is made up of clones. Each polyp can grow to about 2 inches (5 cm) high, and orange zoanthids have a range that includes Siberia, and northern Alaska to southern California.
Reference:
Lamb, Andy and Hanby, Bernard. Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest: A Photographic Encyclopedia of Invertebrates, Seaweeds and Selected Fishes. Madeira Park: Harbour Publishing, 2005. (An online version of this book is also available to subscribers at https://knowbc.com)
