Description
Priece per colony of 10 polyps
Zoanthids, also known as sea mats or button polyps, are a group of colonial cnidarians belonging to the genus Zoanthus. They are prized in the aquarium hobby for their colorful, spreading, and easy-to-maintain nature.
Key characteristics of Zoanthus:
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Colonial structure:
Zoanthids form colonies of many small polyps, often growing flat and encrusting surfaces like rocks and substrates.
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Diverse coloration:
They exhibit a wide range of colors and patterns, making them visually appealing.
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Nematocysts:
They possess nematocysts, the stinging cells characteristic of cnidarians.
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Feeding:
Zoanthids can feed on both detritus and zooplankton, and also benefit from photosynthesis with zooxanthellae.
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Growth and distribution:
They can grow to cover large areas, and are found in various reef environments.
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Maintenance:
Zoanthids are generally considered easy to maintain in reef aquariums, tolerating a range of lighting and water conditions.
