Zoanthids

Care at a glance

Zoanthids are many people's first coral, and for good reason: they quickly grow into dense mats, come in almost every colour combination imaginable and forgive a lot of beginner mistakes. They ask for little light and moderate flow, and a frag of a few polyps will cover a whole rock within a year.

One thing genuinely matters: many zoanthids contain palytoxin, one of the most potent natural toxins there is. Never frag them dry or under hot air, always work with gloves and eye protection, and cut under water where you can. Beyond that: if they stay closed for days, look at flow, film on the polyps, or unwanted visitors such as zoanthid-eating nudibranchs.

Good to know

• Palytoxin risk — wear gloves

Related species

• Green star polypsPachyclavularia violacea
• Encrusting gorgonianErythropodium caribaeorum
• Blue sympodiumSympodium sp.
• Mushroom coralDiscosoma sp.
• Leather coralSarcophyton sp.
• Pulsing xeniaXenia sp.