{"product_id":"cinder-zoanthid-colony","title":"Cinder Zoanthid Colony","description":"\u003ch2\u003eZoanthid Coral\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #f6f8f9; border: 1px solid #dde4e7; border-left: 4px solid #8a98a0; border-radius: 8px; padding: 8px 12px; font-size: 13px; color: #607078; line-height: 1.5; margin: 10px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"color: #46545b;\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a general description of the species — the specific specimen you receive may vary in color, size, and appearance.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZoanthid Corals (\u003cem\u003eZoanthus sp.\u003c\/em\u003e \/ \u003cem\u003ePalythoa sp.\u003c\/em\u003e) — commonly called \"Zoas,\" Palys, Button Polyps, or Sea Mats — are one of the most beloved, colorful, and endlessly collectible corals in the entire saltwater hobby. \u003cstrong\u003eIndividual round polyps arrange themselves into colonial mats or clusters across the rockwork, each polyp displaying a distinctive skirt of tentacles surrounding a contrasting central mouth — glowing across one of the most extensive color ranges in all of reefkeeping, including neon green, sunset orange, deep red, hot pink, electric blue, purple, yellow, cream, and multi-color rainbow morphs with countless named designer variations that fluoresce dramatically under blue and actinic reef lighting\u003c\/strong\u003e — creating one of the most instantly recognizable and endlessly collectible coral silhouettes in the entire reef trade. Zoanthids have inspired the largest collector-morph culture of any coral group in the hobby, with named designer morphs commanding premium pricing while entry-tier zoas remain among the most accessible and rewarding beginner corals available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes Zoanthid Corals one of the most rewarding entry-level reef corals is the combination of extraordinary color variety, dynamic colony expansion, and easy care that forgives typical reef parameter fluctuations. \u003cstrong\u003eZoanthids grow through colonial expansion, with new polyps budding from the base mat and gradually spreading across the rockwork to build a dramatic living carpet of colorful polyps over months and years\u003c\/strong\u003e — the kind of coral that transforms a single frag purchase into a growing display feature that keeps expanding. Peaceful, adaptable, and one of the most photogenic corals under quality reef lighting, Zoanthids are one of the best all-around entry-tier corals for reefers exploring their first coral collection or building a color-focused zoa garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #1a5a61;\"\u003eAvailable Options\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: linear-gradient(180deg,#f6fbf8 0%, #edf7f2 100%); border: 1px solid #d4e6e3; border-radius: 12px; padding: 13px 15px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #1a5a61; margin-bottom: 6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZoanthid Coral Frag — 3-5 Polyps\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne healthy Zoanthid Coral frag (\u003cem\u003eZoanthus sp.\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003ePalythoa sp.\u003c\/em\u003e) — exact color and morph selected from current availability\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColonial polyp mat with approximately 10 to 15 individual polyp heads on frag disc\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColors may include green, orange, red, pink, blue, purple, yellow, cream, or multi-color rainbow morphs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColony expands naturally over time — frag will spread into a growing zoa garden\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #184f69;\"\u003eCare Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 10px 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50%; background: #eceff1; border: 1px solid #cfd6da; border-radius: 10px; padding: 11px 13px; color: #22323a; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e💡 \u003cstrong style=\"color: #435760;\"\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLow to Moderate (PAR 50–150)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50%; background: #eceff1; border: 1px solid #cfd6da; border-radius: 10px; padding: 11px 13px; color: #22323a; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e🌊 \u003cstrong style=\"color: #435760;\"\u003eWater Flow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLow to Moderate — gentle to medium indirect flow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background: #eceff1; border: 1px solid #cfd6da; border-radius: 10px; padding: 11px 13px; color: #22323a; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e📍 \u003cstrong style=\"color: #435760;\"\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMid to lower rockwork or sandbed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background: #eceff1; border: 1px solid #cfd6da; border-radius: 10px; padding: 11px 13px; color: #22323a; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e⚙️ \u003cstrong style=\"color: #435760;\"\u003eCare Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEasy — beginner-friendly soft coral\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background: #eceff1; border: 1px solid #cfd6da; border-radius: 10px; padding: 11px 13px; color: #22323a; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e🐠 \u003cstrong style=\"color: #435760;\"\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePeaceful — reef-safe, may spread and encrust rockwork over time\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background: #eceff1; border: 1px solid #cfd6da; border-radius: 10px; padding: 11px 13px; color: #22323a; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e🍽️ \u003cstrong style=\"color: #435760;\"\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePhotosynthetic — benefits from small meaty foods 1-2x per week\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #6a6b58;\"\u003eSpecial Considerations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #faf8ee; border: 1px solid #e6e1c9; border-left: 4px solid #b7ad78; border-radius: 10px; padding: 13px 15px; color: #22323a;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e⚠️ IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING — PALYTOXIN: Some Zoanthids and Palythoa species contain palytoxin, one of the most toxic natural substances known. Always handle Zoanthids with waterproof gloves, avoid contact with eyes or open cuts, never boil or scrape Zoas (which can release toxic aerosols), and wash hands thoroughly after any handling. Palytoxin exposure symptoms range from skin irritation to potentially fatal poisoning — take Zoanthid handling safety seriously.\u003c\/strong\u003e Beyond safety considerations, Zoanthids are one of the most beginner-friendly and forgiving corals in the reef trade. Provide moderate reef lighting to maintain full color saturation — under-lit specimens may appear more muted, while properly lit specimens display full fluorescent intensity. Feed occasionally with small pieces of mysis, coral feeding preparations, or other small meaty foods 1 to 2 times per week to accelerate colony growth and enhance color — Zoas derive most nutrition from photosynthesis but respond dramatically to occasional target feeding. Zoanthids expand colonies through natural budding, with new polyps growing from the base mat and gradually spreading across the rockwork. Colonies can be selectively fragged and traded as they mature, and named morph Zoas represent one of the largest collector cultures in the entire reef hobby. Peaceful with corals and completely reef-safe, though colonies can encrust and spread onto adjacent rockwork over time — place with intentional space if you want to control spread. Compatible tankmates include most peaceful reef fish and invertebrates, though some fish species (butterflyfish, some angelfish) may nip at Zoanthids and should be avoided.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #123844;\"\u003e🔍 Aquarium Insights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZoanthid Corals are one of the most colorful and universally appealing corals available to reef keepers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColonial polyp mats with individual round polyps displaying skirts of tentacles around contrasting central mouths\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtraordinary color range across green, orange, red, pink, blue, purple, yellow, cream, and rainbow morphs — one of the most extensive color varieties in the entire reef trade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA hardy, beginner-friendly soft coral that expands colonies naturally over time and represents one of the largest collector-morph cultures in the reef hobby — one of the best introductory corals for building a color-focused reef display\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #123844;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\"\u003eFor detailed species information, compatibility, and care tips, visit our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.macroalgaefarms.com\/pages\/species-library\" style=\"color: #1d5c78;\"\u003eSpecies Library\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"margin: 24px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #f6f8f9; border: 1px solid #dde4e7; border-left: 4px solid #8a98a0; border-radius: 10px; padding: 13px 15px; font-size: 13px; color: #607078; line-height: 1.65;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"color: #46545b;\"\u003eLivestock Disclaimer\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 8px 0 10px;\"\u003eDue to natural variation, the Zoanthid Coral frag you receive will contain approximately 3 to 5 polyps hand-selected from current availability and may range across the full spectrum of colors and morphs available — including green, orange, red, pink, blue, purple, yellow, cream, and multi-color rainbow expressions. Exact polyp count may vary slightly (typically within 10 to 15 polyps but occasionally more or less based on frag structure) and specific morph or color cannot be guaranteed and are determined at packing time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 10px;\"\u003ePhotographs are representative examples. Individual specimens may vary in polyp count, size, color intensity, and morph pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e⚠️ Safety: Handle Zoanthids with waterproof gloves — some Zoa\/Palythoa species contain palytoxin.\u003c\/strong\u003e As with all live animals, proper acclimation and a suitable, established environment are essential for best results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Macroalgae Farms","offers":[{"title":"3-5 Polyps","offer_id":49555723714819,"sku":null,"price":47.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0667\/7151\/7699\/files\/hf_20260902_233157_521d5e13-74d5-4d82-9ff0-b67913841ab5.jpg?v=1788393685","url":"https:\/\/www.macroalgaefarms.com\/products\/cinder-zoanthid-colony","provider":"Macroalgae Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}