How difficult is it to keep Snake Polyps (Isaurus)?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Snake Polyps (Isaurus)?

The ideal temperature for Snake Polyps (Isaurus) is 24〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does Snake Polyps (Isaurus) get?

Snake Polyps (Isaurus) typically reaches Polyps 2-4cm tall as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What is the typical price for Snake Polyps (Isaurus)?

The price of Snake Polyps (Isaurus) varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Snake Polyps (Isaurus)

Q: What should I feed Snake Polyps (Isaurus)?

Snake Polyps (Isaurus) feeds on: Nutrition from symbiotic zooxanthellae, plus zooplankton taken when the tentacles open at night. Offer liquid coral foods after dark.. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

Intermediate

Isaurus tuberculatus

A zoantharian whose elongate cylindrical polyps lean sideways rather than standing upright, their surfaces irregularly studded with tubercles. By day they withdraw their tentacles and contract, looking like snakes or dead twigs; they open and feed at night.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

24〜27℃

Size

Polyps 2-4cm tall

Diet

Nutrition from symbiotic zooxanthellae, plus zooplankton taken when the tentacles open at night. Offer liquid coral foods after dark.

About

Isaurus tuberculatus is a zoantharian of the family Zoanthidae found in the tropical and subtropical Western Pacific and Atlantic. SeaLifeBase gives its depth range as 0-20 m. The polyps are elongate cylinders that lean sideways rather than standing upright, their surfaces irregularly studded with tubercles. By day they withdraw their tentacles and contract, so the colony looks like a cluster of snakes or dead twigs, which is the origin of the English name snake polyps. After dark the tentacles open radially and the polyps feed on zooplankton. It is zooxanthellate and so also gains nutrition from photosynthesis, but this nocturnal feeding sets it apart from other genera in the family. Colour is a plain brown or greyish green. It keeps well under moderate light and flow, and offering liquid coral foods at night keeps it in good condition. A colony contracted during the day is behaving normally and should not be mistaken for one in trouble. It is not listed in the CITES Appendices.

Source: SeaLifeBase

Size of the Snake Polyps (Isaurus)

The Snake Polyps (Isaurus) grows to Polyps 2-4cm tall.

Temperature & humidity for the Snake Polyps (Isaurus)

The ideal temperature for the Snake Polyps (Isaurus) is 24〜27℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Tropical and subtropical Western Pacific and Atlantic, at depths of 0-20 m

Size

Polyps 2-4cm tall

Temperature

24〜27℃

Care Specifications

Carbonate (KH): 8–12 dKH
Water Temp.: 24–27℃
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.025
Salinity: 33–35 ppt

PeacefulLight: Medium (PAR 50-150)Flow: MediumPlacement: Middle

Sources: SeaLifeBase (Isaurus tuberculatus) / LiveAquaria (Colony Polyp, Zoanthus Corals; zoantharian care values) / AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Isaurus tuberculatus Gray, 1828

Synonyms: Antinedia tuberculata Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864, Isaurus duchassaingi Andres, 1884, Isaurus elongatus Verrill, 1928, Isaurus asymmetricus Haddon & Shackleton, 1891

Authority databases: WoRMS

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listed

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.