Pretty zoanthid (Zoanthus pulchellus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Zoanthus pulchellus
- Common name
- Pretty zoanthid
- Category
- Cnidarians
- Family
- Zoanthidae
- Genus
- Zoanthus
- Size
- 5–60 cm
- Depth
- 1–15 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef, coral-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, colonial
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Zoanthus pulchellus forms colonies reaching 60 cm. Caribbean zoanthid (Zoanthidae) with more spaced colonial polyps than Z. sociatus, column green-brown to brown, spectacular oral disc turquoise-green to blue-green with contrasting orange to pink tentacles, radiating pattern. Lives from 1 to 15 m on Caribbean rocky and coral reefs. Hosts zooxanthellae. Contains palytoxin. More colorful than Z. sociatus, highly sought-after in macro underwater photography and reef aquaristics. Trophy dive photo subject for color contrasts.
Photo of Pretty zoanthid
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Pretty zoanthid?
- Pretty zoanthid (Zoanthus pulchellus) reaches 5–60 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Pretty zoanthid?
- Pretty zoanthid is found between 1–15 m deep.
- Is the Pretty zoanthid dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Pretty zoanthid?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Pretty zoanthid?
- Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Zoanthus
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 288840)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2257972)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia