Ruby Zoanthids Coral Frag

Ruby Zoanthids, Zoanthus sp., are colonial corals known for their colorful oral discs, contrasting skirts, and mat-forming growth. This WYSIWYG coral frag features intense ruby-red oral discs with darker burgundy to purple skirts and small yellow-green centers. Individual polyps are connected by a common tissue mat and can gradually spread across nearby rockwork under favorable reef conditions. Zoanthus species contain symbiotic zooxanthellae that provide much of their nutritional needs through photosynthesis, while the polyps can also capture suspended organic material and very fine foods. Because species-level identification within Zoanthus cannot be reliably determined from external appearance alone, Zoanthus sp. is the most scientifically appropriate designation for this specimen.

Care Guide: Zoanthus sp. generally adapts well to low to moderate reef lighting with moderate, indirect water flow. Provide enough circulation to keep debris from settling between the polyps without preventing them from fully opening. Place the frag on stable rockwork with room for the colony to spread. Maintain stable salinity, temperature, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, and phosphate. Zoanthids are primarily photosynthetic but may benefit from dissolved nutrients and occasional fine particulate or planktonic foods. Because zoanthids may contain palytoxin or related compounds, avoid handling damaged tissue with bare hands and use appropriate eye and skin protection when cutting, fragging, or otherwise disturbing the colony.