Common Name: Rasta Zoanthid
Species Name: Zoanthus sp. (likely Z. sociatus or Z. sansibaricus)
Sold as single polyp size : 5-10mm
Growth Pattern: Colonial mat-forming with tightly packed polyps (5–10 mm diameter)
Colour Variants: Blue disk, yellow-orange ring, purple to blue tentacles
Lighting Requirements: Low to moderate light, recommended PAR 60–100
Water Flow: Low to moderate
Growth Rate: Moderate; consistent outward growth via budding
Reproduction: Asexual budding with reliable colour retention
Care Level: Easy
Placement: Lower to mid-tank levels; ideal for collector zones, ledges, or flat rock
Collector Range Feature: Part of the Living Oceans Collector Coral range; includes Pedigree ID Certificate
Origin: Sustainably cultured
The Rasta Zoanthid Coral (Zoanthus sp.) is a legendary morph in the reef aquarium community, admired for its unmistakable colour sequence and high contrast. As part of the Living Oceans Collector Coral Range, this coral is supplied with a Pedigree ID Certificate, verifying its aquacultured origin and status as a premium, traceable coral specimen.
Each polyp measures approximately 5–10 mm in diameter and features a distinct tricolour arrangement: a blue oral disc, surrounded by tentacles of purple, yellow and orange. When grouped in clusters and viewed under actinic light, Rasta Zoanthids display a rhythmic, glowing effect that makes them one of the most popular and recognisable collector zoanthids in the trade.
These corals thrive in low to moderate lighting and gentle to moderate water flow, making them ideal for Living Ecosystem Aquariums designed for easy maintenance and long-term resilience. Their compact, mat-forming growth makes them suitable for defined collector zones, encrusting features, or low rock platforms.
Reproduction
Rasta Zoanthids reproduce asexually by budding along the encrusting base, gradually expanding their colony outward. As with other Zoanthus varieties, colour and pattern fidelity is preserved, making this morph ideal for propagation and display in sustainable reef systems.
Though its species is not definitively classified, Rasta Zoanthids are considered most likely to belong to Zoanthus sociatus or Zoanthus sansibaricus, both of which include mat-forming, small-polyp variants widely propagated in marine aquaculture.
As a certified Living Oceans Collector Coral, the Rasta Zoanthid offers a vibrant expression of marine biodiversity and supports ethical, sustainable coral cultivation.
