Button Polyp (Zoanthus)

The Zoanthus Button Polyp Corals are also referred to as Moon Polyps, Encrusting Anemones, Sea Mats, or Button Polyps. Their most common color is green, but many are also found in other colors. They are colonial animals with multiple individual polyps attached to a piece of live rock.

Zoanthus sp.

Quick Stats: Button Polyp (Zoanthus)

Family: Zoanthidae
Range: Indo-Pacific
Color Form: Orange, Yellow, Pink, Lavender, Tan, White
Ideal Supplements: Iodine, Trace elements
Reef Compatible: Yes
Tank Conditions: 72-78ºF; sg 1.023-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4
Water Flow: Medium
Light: High
Dominance: Semi-aggressive
Placement: Medium to High
Care Level: Easy




These polyps have the ability to sting other polyps or corals. While the sting is not strong, they are semi-aggressive and need to have space between their colony and any neighbors since they tend to crowd them out. They will reproduce easily in the reef aquarium by budding (splitting off a portion of their base or mouth), which will increase the size of their colony. They are easy to maintain, making them a good choice for beginner reef aquarists. They require a high light level combined with a medium water movement within the aquarium. For continued good health, they will also require the addition of iodine and other trace elements to the water.

They contain the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae which provide some of their nutritional requirements through photosynthesis. Each individual polyp of the colony must also be given additional feedings of micro-plankton or baby brine shrimp.