Zoanthid appraisal

A popular aquarium organism prized for its beautiful display of countless polyps opening in a colonial formation (technically a relative of order Actiniaria). With extremely varied body coloration, rare color patterns are highly valued.

解説用イラスト: Zoanthid — AI-generated illustration for explanation. Not an actual listed individual.

What determines the price

Rarity of polyp body color and pattern.
High
Variation in polyp color and pattern is central to evaluation. The combination of center and outer-edge coloration and fluorescence determines rarity.
Polyp opening size and uniformity.
High
The larger and more uniformly open the polyps, the better the health condition and overall aesthetic appearance of the colony.
Colony density and fullness.
Medium
Higher colony density (number and spread of polyps) results in higher evaluation of the specimen's fullness.
Rarity of body color morph.
Medium
Among extremely varied coloration, morphs with rare body colors and patterns tend to receive higher evaluations.

Appraisal points

Check polyp opening.

Good:: All polyps open evenly and widely, gently swaying in the current.
Caution:: If polyps remain closed or only partially open, review of the environment or condition is necessary.

Check body color and fluorescence.

Good:: The polyp's center and rim color contrast is sharp with fluorescence.
Caution:: Colors that appear dull or brownish-discolored may indicate stress.

Check the colony's condition and attachment.

Good:: The colony is dense and spreads uniformly, with stable attachment to the rock substrate.
Caution:: For colonies with partial detachment or few polyps, check the colony's condition.