Zoanthids facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Zoanthids |
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| Parazoanthus axinellae | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Cnidaria |
| Class: | Anthozoa |
| Subclass: | Hexacorallia |
| Order: | Zoantharia |
Zoanthids are a type of sea animal. They are related to corals and sea anemones. They belong to a group called Anthozoa. Unlike stony corals, Zoanthids do not have a hard, bony skeleton. Most of these creatures are very small. Many Zoanthids live together in groups called colonies.
What are Zoanthids?
Zoanthids are often called "button polyps" or "colonial anemones." They are a fascinating part of the ocean's biodiversity. You can find them in many different ocean environments. They often attach themselves to rocks or other surfaces on the seafloor.
How are Zoanthids different?
Zoanthids have special features that set them apart from other colonial sea animals and soft corals.
- Building their home: Most Zoanthids, except for those in the family Zoanthidae, use sand and other small bits of material from the ocean. They put these materials into their soft body tissue. This helps them build and strengthen their structure. It's like they are making their own natural armor!
- Tentacle pattern: A key way to identify Zoanthids is by looking at their tentacles. Their tentacles are always arranged in two clear rows around their mouth. This unique pattern helps scientists tell them apart from other similar sea creatures.
Images for kids
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This dragon-eye zoanthid is a popular source of color in reef tanks
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Eagle Eye zooanthid coral, grown in captivity
See also
In Spanish: Zoantarios para niños
