Mixed Red Skirt Zoanthids

Mixed Red Skirt Zoanthids, Zoanthus sp., are colonial cnidarians that grow as clusters of individual button-like polyps connected by a common basal mat. This specimen displays deep burgundy to red oral discs surrounded by vivid orange-red skirts, with contrasting fluorescent yellow-green centers and scattered pale blue-green markings across several polyps. The variation among the individual polyps gives this small colony a colorful mixed appearance while retaining the strong red-skirt coloration reflected in its name. Zoanthus species contain symbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates that provide much of their nutritional energy, while their polyps can also capture fine suspended plankton and organic particles. Because coloration and external polyp morphology alone do not permit dependable species-level identification within the genus, Zoanthus sp. is the most scientifically appropriate designation.

Care Guide: Zoanthus sp. is generally hardy and adaptable in an established reef aquarium. Provide low to moderate lighting with moderate, variable water movement. Flow should be sufficient to prevent debris from accumulating around the polyps without keeping them continuously closed. Place the colony on stable rockwork where it receives consistent lighting and circulation. Maintain stable temperature and salinity and keep nitrate and phosphate measurable and reasonably consistent rather than excessively low. Most nutrition is supplied through photosynthesis, although fine suspended plankton and organic material may provide supplemental nutrition. Zoanthids can gradually spread across adjacent hard surfaces, so leave room for colony expansion. When cutting or fragging zoanthids, use appropriate protective practices because some zoanthids may contain palytoxin or related compounds.