Candy Apple Zoanthids

Candy Apple Zoanthids, Zoanthus sp., are colonial zoantharians prized for their bold concentric coloration and dense mat-forming growth. This WYSIWYG colony displays bright yellow to yellow-green centers surrounded by vivid orange-red oral discs, with deep red to burgundy skirts accented by brighter orange-red tips. The strong contrast between the luminous centers and saturated red-orange outer coloration gives the colony the distinctive multicolor appearance associated with Candy Apple-type zoanthids. Zoanthus polyps are connected by living tissue and can gradually spread across surrounding rockwork as the colony grows. They contain symbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates that supply much of their nutritional energy, while the polyps may also capture very fine suspended organic material. Because aquarium color morph names do not reliably correspond to a particular species, Zoanthus sp. is the scientifically appropriate identification.

Care Guide: Zoanthus sp. generally performs well under low to moderate lighting, although established colonies can tolerate moderately strong reef lighting when acclimated gradually. Provide low to moderate, variable water movement that helps keep debris from accumulating between the polyps without preventing full extension. Place on stable rockwork with enough room for the colony to spread. Maintain stable temperature and salinity along with consistent alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, and phosphate. Most nutritional requirements are supplied through photosynthesis, although very fine suspended foods can provide supplemental nutrition. Zoanthids can contain palytoxin or related compounds, so gloves and eye protection are recommended when handling or fragging, and zoanthid-covered rock should never be boiled or exposed to hot water or steam.