This site is a species guide to zoanthids and palythoa, the colorful colonial polyps that carpet rockwork in reef aquariums around the world. It is written for reef keepers at every level, from someone buying their first frag of Sunny D to collectors tracking down rare named morphs.
Each species profile covers the essentials in the same order: what the coral looks like, what light, flow, and water conditions suit it, how fast it grows, and how to handle it safely. The care guides go deeper on the topics that matter most with these corals, including lighting, flow, water parameters, feeding, fragging, pests, dipping, and palytoxin safety.
A few principles guide the content:
- Practical over theoretical. Advice here is meant to be used at the tank, with clear steps and realistic ranges.
- Honest about uncertainty. Zoanthid trade names describe color morphs, not scientific species, and hobby opinions vary. Where they do, we give a sensible range rather than a single number.
- Safety first. Some zoanthids and palythoa contain palytoxin. Every profile includes a handling note, and our safety guide explains how to protect yourself.
Measurements are given in US units first, with metric in parentheses.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical or veterinary advice. If you think you've been exposed to palytoxin, seek medical help right away.