Common Name: Utter Chaos Zoanthid
Species Name: Zoanthus sp. (likely Z. sociatus or Z. sansibaricus)
Sold as single polyp size: 5-10mm
Growth Pattern: Colonial mat-forming with bold, multi-colour polyps (5–10 mm diameter)
Color Variants: bands of deep blue, red, orange, green then blue radiating from the oral disk, fluorescent yellow tentacles
Lighting Requirements: Low to moderate light, recommended PAR 60–100
Water Flow: Low to moderate
Growth Rate: Moderate; spreads steadily by mat extension
Reproduction: Asexual budding; maintains colour consistency in propagation
Care Level: Easy
Placement: Lower to mid-tank levels; ideal for display rockwork or collector coral sections
Collector Range Feature: Part of the Living Oceans Collector Coral range; includes Pedigree ID Certificate
Origin: Sustainably Cultured
The Utter Chaos Zoanthid Coral (Zoanthus sp.) is one of the most recognisable and highly prized morphs in the marine aquarium trade, now featured in the Living Oceans Collector Coral Range. Known for its intense colour contrast and swirling, lava-like patterns, this coral is supplied with a Pedigree ID Certificate, confirming its aquacultured origin and collector-grade status.
Each polyp measures around 5–10 mm in diameter, with distinct bands of deep blue, red, orange, green then blue radiating from the oral disk, highlighted by fluorescent yellow tentacles. Under actinic or blue LED lighting, its colours intensify dramatically, making it a showpiece coral in any Living Ecosystem Aquarium.
Utter Chaos thrives under low to moderate light and gentle to moderate water flow, maintaining its bold colours and compact shape with minimal care. It performs best when placed on stable rock surfaces or Living Blocks, where it can slowly expand into tight clusters without overwhelming neighbouring corals.
Reproduction
Like other Zoanthus species, Utter Chaos reproduces asexually through budding. New polyps develop along the encrusting base, gradually forming a dense mat. Colour and pattern remain stable across generations, making it ideal for controlled propagation and curated collector systems.
While its exact species remains scientifically unresolved, Utter Chaos is most likely a variant of either Zoanthus sociatus or Zoanthus sansibaricus, both of which are commonly associated with aquarium-grade zoanthid morphs. This notation is reflected in the coral’s Pedigree ID.
As a Living Oceans Collector Coral, this piece represents not only visual excellence, but also a commitment to sustainable coral aquaculture and traceable marine display practices.
