![]() ![]() ![]() They gain most of their daily nutritional requirements through the photosynthetic activity of their symbiotic Zooxanthellae, but also absorb nutrients and dissolved organic matter from the water column. So that is why we have decided to list the different varieties of Zoanthid species under their common fancy names on reeflex.Īs a rule, Zoanthid corals are rather easy to care for and are often recommended as beginner corals. ![]() Firstly, these fancy variety names are commonly used in the stocking lists of importers and coral shops, secondly, the majority of saltwater hobbyists are more familiar with them and thirdly, the reeflex entries will be easier to find via search engines. Marine aquarists and coral traders have assigned telling names to the large variety of Zoanthus species referring to the special colouration morphology of the polyps to identify a particular specimen. These zoas tend to be smaller than other color morphs.These beautiful Zoanthid or button polyps are sold as Zoanthus „Eagle eye“ at Local fish Dealers and in online coral Shops.Īpart from their colour and polyp size most Zoanthus species look very much alike, so they can hardly be identified exactly by mere physical appearance. Rastas – Rasta zoanthids have yellowish-green tentacles, a bluish-purple outer rim with green, orange, and purple moving inward.Here are some of the most popular designer brands you’re likely to come across: For the most part, there’s an affordable zoa for everyone. Many hobbyists believe that a desirable name increases the price of the coral to be much more than it’s actually worth. There is some controversy surrounding designer zoanthid corals. Zoa gardens and collections have become increasingly popular over the past decade, and hobbyists can now find frags costing $5 or upwards of $2000. Zoanthids are one of the most modified corals available in the trade, coming in almost all color morphs with varying shapes, sizes, and tentacle lengths. However, some zoas and palys are impossible to tell apart and so many species are misidentified. Zoas are sometimes confused with Palythoa spp., but zoanthids are usually smaller, more colorful, and also have shorter tentacles and a rounder mouth. This polyp head has two rows of tentacles on the outer rim and usually has several colors as you work your way into the center towards the mouth. Zoanthids lack a calcium carbonate skeleton and are referred to as soft corals due to their fleshy structure. Since they’re so closely related to sea anemones, zoanthid corals actually look like much smaller anemones! These corals form mats of polyps that individually give way to a colorful head. It is believed that zoanthid corals are epizoic and like to grow on other animals, like sponges. At the same time, other zoanthid coral species have been found all the way at the bottom of the ocean on the seafloor at colder temperatures with minimal light. Interestingly, these corals have adapted to tolerate periods of emersion when the low tide goes out, which can help with collecting and fragging them for the aquarium. ![]() That being said, they can be found at all levels of depth and different water temperatures as well. Zoanthid corals can be found in most tropical water ecosystems, including the waters around the Caribbean as well as the Indian and Pacific Oceans 1. This can make placing certain species in the correct classification very difficult. Though these corals are extremely common to come across in the ocean and easy to cultivate in a laboratory setting, their species diversity is hardly understood. Zoanthids are very closely related to sea anemones but belong to different taxonomic orders. Not aggressive, though can easily overcrowd other corals Most warm, shallow waters but most species can be found universally at multiple depthsĪll colors, though what might appear as black is actually a very dark color instead Zoas, zoos, zoanthids, and button polyps usually referred to as their specific designer brand when applicable A Quick Overview On Zoanthids Scientific Name In this post we will cover everything you need to know about caring for zoanthids in your reef tank. Reef tank owners, are you looking for a new soft coral to add to your aquarium? If so, zoanthids may be the perfect addition! These beautiful and easy-to-care-for corals are an excellent choice for beginners. Chloroquine Phosphate Aquarium Dosing Calculator. ![]()
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