Yellow Belly Zoanthids Coral

Yellow Belly Zoanthids, Zoanthus sp., are colorful colonial zoanthids valued for their strong contrast and spreading mat-forming growth. This WYSIWYG colony displays deep burgundy-red to wine-colored oral discs surrounded by vivid red-orange tentacle skirts. Bright fluorescent yellow to yellow-green centers create the distinctive “Yellow Belly” appearance, with subtle pale radial markings adding additional contrast across several polyps. Zoanthus polyps grow from a shared tissue mat and can gradually spread across adjacent rockwork under favorable aquarium conditions. They contain symbiotic zooxanthellae that provide much of their nutritional requirements through photosynthesis while also being capable of capturing fine suspended organic material. Because species-level identification within Zoanthus cannot reliably be established from external appearance alone, Zoanthus sp. is the scientifically appropriate designation.

Care Guide: Zoanthus sp. generally performs well under low to moderate reef lighting with moderate, indirect water flow. Provide enough circulation to prevent detritus from accumulating between the polyps while allowing them to remain fully extended. Place on stable rockwork with adequate room for the colony to spread. Maintain stable salinity, temperature, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, and phosphate. Zoanthids obtain much of their energy through photosynthesis but may also benefit from dissolved nutrients and occasional fine planktonic foods. Acclimate gradually when introducing the colony to stronger lighting. Zoanthids may contain palytoxin or related compounds, so use appropriate eye and skin protection when cutting, handling damaged tissue, or otherwise disturbing the colony.