Daisy Cutter
Zoanthus sp.
Species profile
Sunny D
Zoanthus sp.
Also sold as: Sunny D zoas
Sunny D is a fast-growing classic with a metallic orange face, green mouth, and purple skirt.
Colors
Bright green to blue-green mouth, metallic orange face fading to gold, and a purple, often speckled, skirt
Care at a glance
Care level
Easy
Light
Medium
75-150 PAR
Flow
Moderate
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Lower to middle rockwork on its own rock, away from slower corals it could overgrow
Temperature
75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C)
Salinity
1.024-1.026 specific gravity (about 32-35 ppt)
Feeding
Optional
Photosynthetic; optional fine particulate food once or twice a week
Care notes
Sunny D is a long-standing classic, and it has stayed popular because it is affordable, forgiving, and fast. That speed is the main thing to plan for. Given decent light and some nutrients in the water, a few polyps can turn into a patch the size of your palm, and it will creep onto neighboring rock. Under blue-heavy light the orange takes on a metallic sheen and the gold edge brightens. Under whiter light it looks warmer and more plainly orange. It is easy to confuse with Vivid Rainbow. Sunny D usually grows faster and often has a speckled skirt with a thin pinkish outer ring.
⚠ Palytoxin safety
Like any zoanthid, Sunny D may contain palytoxin, so treat it as toxic. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling or fragging, and wash up afterward.
