Zoanthus sociatus

(Ellis & Solander, 1786)

Button Polyps, Green Sea Mat, Zoas

Range: Tropical Western Atlantic Ocean: Caribbean.

Natural Environment: Inhabits rubble, rocky areas and reef flat surfaces in coastal bays and lagoons near the surfaces experiencing wave action and often seen on the backside of shallow reefs where they may be somewhat buried in the sand.

General Husbandry: Have short tentacles and also feeds on detritus.

Easy to maintain if given strong light and excellent water movement.

Even though a photosynthetic, species seems to benefit from occasional feedings with zooplankton-like foodstuffs.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Hexacorallia

Order: Zoantharia

Suborder: Brachycnemina

Family: Zoanthidae

Genus: Zoanthus

FYI: For far more general information about these corals, see my article titled 'Zoanthids - A Wide Range to Choose From' in the 'Article" section of this website.

There is a snail called the Box Snail/Sundial Snail that feeds upon zoanthus species. Remove when seen.

Also, there is a very small nudibranch, Aeolidiopsis harrietae, that feeds on zoanthus species, and can have the exact same coloring of the polyp it is feeding upon! Extremely difficult to see, and if polyps are tending to stay close, look for this pest and remove with tweezers. Hopefully, its presence will not affect other polyps by laying eggs that will hatch and thereby negatively affect other colonies of zoanthus species in the aquarium! If you want a photo of this pest, please contact me.

Also, the camelback shrimp will feed upon zoanthus species

Experience Level: Beginner

Diet: Photosynthetic/Zooplankton feeder

Temperament: Peaceful

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe:Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy

Calcium (Ca): 380 - 430 mg/l

Alkalinity: 2.5 - 3.0 meq/l

Phosphate (PO4): <0.05 mg/l

Magnesium (Mg): approx. 1350 mg/l (relate to specific gravity)

Strontium (Sr) 8 - 10 mg/l

Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F (22 - 27°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Lighting: PAR 400+

Water Movement: WM 2 - 3

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4

Iodine/Trace Elements Monitor/as necessary to maintain quality seawater.