Not furry either, still lovely.
Zoanthids
Zoanthus spp.
Also called Zoas, Zoos, Button polyps, Colonial anemones, Carpet coral
From Found in seas worldwide, with most aquarium types coming from tropical and subtropical reefs; Zoanthus species have been described from places as far apart as Durban, Vietnam and Hawaii.12
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Soft-bodied colonial polyps (no skeleton)
Small anemone-like polyps, each with a central disc ringed by short tentacles, joined at the base by a fleshy mat or runners. Together they form bright, button-like carpets over rock. Unlike many relatives, Zoanthus does not build sand into its tissue.12
Personality what they are like
A sessile colony that opens its polyps in the light. It is calm overall but counts as semi-aggressive in a reef tank because it can sting corals placed right next to it.3
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Stays fixed in place; the colony slowly grows outward by budding new polyps.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very little routine care beyond stable water and trace-element and iodine top-ups. Colonies can be split and glued onto rock to make new pieces. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling or cutting them, as some zoanthids carry a strong natural toxin.13
Home where they are happiest
A reef aquarium with moderate light (T5, LED or metal halide) and medium water flow, with space left between the colony and other corals. General reef values used for soft corals: about 22-26 C (72-78 F), pH 8.1-8.4, alkalinity 8-12 dKH, specific gravity 1.023-1.025.34
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Gets much of its energy from algae living in its tissue, and also catches plankton and fine particles. Occasional feeds of baby brine shrimp, krill or micro-plankton are helpful, especially under weaker light.13
Company who they like around
A colonial animal: polyps stay linked to each other. Keep separate colonies a little apart so they do not compete.13
The story where it all began
Lamarck named the genus Zoanthus in 1801, and it later became the type genus of its family and order. Zoanthids went on to become one of the best-known corals in the reef-keeping hobby thanks to their colours and toughness, although many related genera are still poorly studied.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Zoanthus polyps contain proteins similar to the green fluorescent protein that makes jellyfish glow.2
- 2
Most zoanthids outside the family Zoanthidae build grains of sand into their bodies for support.1
- 3
Some zoanthid genera have never been found again since they were first described.1
- 4
New polyps grow from runners and stay connected to the rest of the colony.1
Recognised by the official bits
- Taxonomy (via Wikipedia)
- Genus Zoanthus Lamarck, 1801, the type genus of the family Zoanthidae and order Zoantharia; about 13 species listed.2
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Zoanthids. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingDepends on species, many feed from the light and the watervaries
- Salinity checkevery week
- Water testevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Light checkevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Zoanthids?
Zoanthids get most of their energy from light and the water, so feeding frequency varies by species and lighting. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests adjusting based on your setup, and occasional feeds of baby brine shrimp or micro-plankton can be helpful under weaker light. Check with a reef specialist for a schedule tailored to your tank.31 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Zoanthids eat, and what should it never eat?
Zoanthids eat plankton and fine particles, and they also get energy from algae living in their tissue. Occasional feeds of baby brine shrimp, krill or micro-plankton are helpful. For foods to avoid, ask a vet or experienced reef keeper, as the facts don't specify.31
How much space does a Zoanthids need?
Zoanthids are colonial and slowly grow outward, so they need a little space between colonies to avoid competing. In a reef tank, leave a few inches between them and other corals to prevent stinging.31
What temperature, light or water does a Zoanthids need?
They thrive in a reef aquarium with moderate light and medium water flow. Keep temperature at 72-78°F, pH 8.1-8.4, alkalinity 8-12 dKH, and specific gravity 1.023-1.025. Furry Diary suggests weekly water tests and biweekly water changes of 10-20%.34 Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean a Zoanthids's home?
Routine care is minimal beyond stable water. Furry Diary's plan includes a 10-20% water change every two weeks, daily top-ups with fresh RO water, weekly salinity and water tests, and a monthly light check.31 Pet Wiki plan
Can a Zoanthids live with others?
Yes, they can live with other reef inhabitants, but keep them a little apart from other corals because they can sting. They are calm but considered semi-aggressive in a reef tank.31
How long does a Zoanthids live?
Lifespan varies widely depending on care and environment. For a more precise estimate, ask a vet or a good breeder.
Can I handle a Zoanthids?
Handling is best avoided because some zoanthids carry a strong natural toxin. If you must handle or cut them, always wear gloves and eye protection.31
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- Zoanthid (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for common names, distribution, body, feeding, reproduction, handling note, fun facts
- Zoanthus (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for taxonomy, species, fluorescent proteins, hobby popularity, history
- Colony Polyp Coral, Zoanthus (LiveAquaria care sheet) liveaquaria.comused for care level, light, flow, spacing, colours, feeding, supplements
- Assorted Colored Mushroom Coral (LiveAquaria care sheet) liveaquaria.comused for general reef water values
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.