Zoanthids
Zoanthus sp.Lamarck, 1801Genus
Perfect entry-level soft coral with incredible color variety. Tolerant of water quality fluctuations and easy to propagate.
Fluorescence appearance
Coral fluorescent proteins are excited by blue/actinic light. Appearance differs greatly from under white light.
Names & Synonyms
- CommonZoanthids
- Commonマメスナギンチャク（ゾアンサス）
Overview
Zoanthids (order Zoantharia) are colonial hexacorals found across tropical and subtropical coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic. Their polyps, measuring 5–20 mm in diameter, display a remarkable spectrum of fluorescent colors—green, blue, red, yellow, and purple—earning them the nickname "gems of the sea." They thrive under moderate LED lighting (100–200 PAR) with gentle to moderate flow, making them highly accessible to beginners while remaining endlessly collectible for experienced hobbyists. Propagation via fragging is straightforward. Some species contain palytoxin, so handling with bare hands should be avoided.
Care Specifications
| Temperature | 24〜27℃ |
|---|---|
| Specific gravity | 1.023〜1.025 |
| Salinity | 33〜35 ppt |
| KH (carbonate hardness) | 8〜12 dKH |
| Lighting | Medium |
| Water flow | Medium |
| Placement | Middle |
Care Points
- Lighting—Moderate LED lighting sufficient
- Flow—Low to moderate
- Water Quality—KH 7-11, Ca 400-450ppm
- Notes—Some species contain palytoxin — handle with care
Regulatory & Conservation
- Notes:
- スナギンチャク目(Zoanthus, Zoantharia=マメスナ/ゾアンサス)。イシサンゴ目でない→CITES 非掲載。日本法も非該当。
Sources
- AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101(careSpec)
- DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals(Zoantharia 非掲載)(regulatory)
- Wikipedia(detail)
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