Zoanthids/Palys
SoftZoantharia (multiple genera)
Zoanthids includes more than Zoanthus. Palythoa is a separate genus. Hobby names are not a standard taxonomic system.
Family: Zoanthidae
Button-like polyps are a useful starting point. A named colour pattern is not proof of a species or seller lineage.
Care
Easy
Lighting
Medium
Flow
Low-Medium
How to recognise it
Inspect the oral disc, tentacle fringe and how the polyps connect at the base. Photograph the colony under whiter light as well as its normal tank lighting.
Similar corals
- Palythoa
- Closely related polyps are often sold alongside Zoanthus. Size and colour alone do not reliably separate the genera.
In the tank
Placement & flow
Use a position where debris is cleared without forcing the polyps shut. An isolated rock makes spreading colonies easier to manage.
Feeding
Photosynthesis supplies much of their energy. Some take fine foods; avoid building a feeding routine that leaves waste across the colony.
Space & neighbours
Spreading mats compete for rock space. Keep room around slow-growing neighbours.
What to watch for
If polyps stay closed, inspect for grazing pests, debris and irritation before increasing light or feeding. Some zoanthids contain palytoxin: never boil or heat colonised rock; avoid contact with eyes, wounds and aerosols.
Morphs
Known variants linked to this species.
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Available from stores
Current in-stock Zoanthids/Palys listings in United Kingdom.
Seduction Zoa (UK Grown) Zoanthid
Frag Trade
£15.99 GBP
WYSIWYG Orange Oxide Zoanthid & Seduction (UK Grown) Zoanthid
Frag Trade
£25.99 GBP
Scrambled Egg Zoanthid – 1 Frag (UK Grown)
Frag Trade
£8.99 GBP
WYSIWYG Green Implosion Zoa/Palythoa
Frag Trade
£10.99 GBP
100ml Live Baby Brine Shrimp
Frag Trade
£3.99 GBP
Grandis Palythoa (UK Grown)
Frag Trade
£10.99 GBP
Orange Oxide Zoanthid (UK Grown)
Frag Trade
£8.99 GBP
Red Ring Zoanthid (UK Grown)
Frag Trade
£8.99 GBP
Purple Bee zoa (UK Grown)
Frag Trade
£4.99 GBP
Rasta zoa 1 polyp (UK grown)
Frag Trade
£8.99 GBP
Blue tubbs zoa (UK Grown)
Frag Trade
£6.99 GBP
False Rasta zoa 1 polyp (UK grown)
Frag Trade
£9.99 GBP
Sources
- Tidal Gardens — Zoanthus care and handling
- Tidal Gardens — Zoanthus troubleshooting
- NOAA — Coral aquarium parameters, Table 6 (2013) (PDF)
Sources checked 14 October 2026.