what is the difference between zoathid and button polyps??

[6speedchevelle]

what is the difference between zoathid and button polyps??
they look very similar.

I just bought a nice colony of some, but not sure which one it is. :headshake2:


also, how long does it take for them to open?

thanks!

 

[Amphiprion]

They are very similar and are very closely related (by current taxonomy). Unfortunately, more precise relationship has not been completely established, because the zoanthideans are being rearranged and reclassified. Right now, the two only differ in genus, with "button polyps" collectively in Palythoa, whereas what everyone refers to as a zoanthid (actually, all are zoanthids, in the family zoanthidae) is in the genus Zoanthus. But like I said, their classification is an enigma at the moment, so we shall see.

 

[6speedchevelle]

sounds a little too advanced for my noobie brain.... so they are simlilar...(got it)

how do you tell one from the other?

 

[fsn77]

Many people collectively call zoas and palys "button polyps." It's one of those common names that applies to multitude of critters.

 

[6speedchevelle]

thats what I was thinking....I work in the auto industry and there is always three or four names for each part of the car....


so how long does it take for them to open when transfered to a new tank?

do they close up every night?

 

[Max]

They'll usually pout for a day or two after you introduce them before they fully open. The lenght of time depends on you method of introduction etc.

 

[soccerkidbs]

i know mine get pissed if i touch them and wont open for a day or so after. some of mine close at night but my orange ones stay open... they are weird i think.

 

[ooja3k]

the button polyps are usually larger than zoanthids... ranging from a nickle to a quarter in size... where the zoanthids will range from pencil eraser size to a dime...

mine all close up at night... but open immediatly at the first sign of light...

 

[Amphiprion]

Actually, in Palythoa grandis, the polyps can be over an inch in diameter(!!!)

 

[Grins]

Actually, in Palythoa grandis, the polyps can be over an inch in diameter(!!!)

Whoa, and I thought a few of the 3/4"ers I had were large!