It was first found to be invasive on the Brazilian coast in the 1980s on oil platforms north of Rio de Janeiro.

[2] Species in this genus are usually native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans,[3] and some are considered highly invasive along certain coastlines.

[4] It has expanded to the Southwest Atlantic Ocean, specifically along the Brazilian coastline where it has endangered other ecosystems such as mussel beds, the Amazon River's reef system, and rocky shores.

[7] Part of the species' invasive capabilities seems to be based on the lack of any requirement for a specific substrate to grow.

[8] A study shows that temperature and food supply does not significantly limit the number and formation of regenerating polyps.