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What Are Button Polyps?

Jillian O Keeffe
Jillian O Keeffe

A type of coral, button polyps get their name from their appearance. They are part of the zooanthus genus of corals and are primarily photosynthetic. They live on rock surfaces and do not require careful maintenance, so they are useful for artificial tank habitats.

These corals are round shaped with flattish tops on the ends of short stalks, which are attached to rock bases. The circular top has tentacles all around it. The polyps can be one of many colors, such as brown, yellow, or red. They look similar to sea anemones.

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Woman holding a book

Button polyps are photosynthetic, which means that they can produce all the energy they need from sunlight and can become a brighter color if they receive a lot of light. The photosynthesis is mediated through the presence of zooxanthellae algae in the polyp, which acts as a symbiont, producing energy in return for a place to thrive. As well as the capacity for photosynthesis, the corals can obtain energy and nutrients from small marine life, such as plankton or brine shrimp. In nature, the button polyps collect this food as it drifts toward the polyps in the water current. The polyps do not attack larger organisms such as blenny fish, although larger organisms like crustaceans or butterfly fish can damage the polyps through nibbling on the ends of the tentacles.

Growth and spread of the button polyps occurs through budding off an existing polyp. The new bud, which is attached to the base of the first polyp, grows off and into a new adult polyp. A similar coral to button polyps, the Sea Mat looks superficially the same but can be differentiated through the presence of a large mat from which new polyps bud off, as opposed to the lack of a base mat that is characteristic of the button polyps. Button polyps tend to spread quickly and take over available space on the rocks in an aquarium.

Even though button polyps are not very fastidious in their environmental requirements, they do prefer to grow in water that does not move very quickly. As they are photosynthetic, they do best with a high level of light, but if they have to be kept at low-light levels, then the addition of plankton or other feed is advantageous. Artificial propagation is relatively simple as all that is necessary is to cut one polyp away from the original group, and this will attach to gravel under slow water flow conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are button polyps?

Button polyps are a type of coral belonging to the Zoanthidae family, which are marine invertebrates found in coral reefs around the world. They are known for their small, colorful, and button-like appearance, forming colonies that can cover large areas. These polyps are popular in the aquarium trade due to their hardiness and vibrant colors.

How do button polyps reproduce?

Button polyps can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Asexual reproduction occurs through a process called budding, where new polyps form directly from the body of an existing one. Sexual reproduction involves the release of sperm and eggs into the water column, where fertilization occurs, leading to the development of free-swimming larvae that eventually settle and form new colonies.

Are button polyps easy to care for in an aquarium?

Button polyps are considered one of the easier corals to care for in an aquarium. They are adaptable to a range of water conditions and lighting levels, making them suitable for beginner aquarists. However, they do require stable water parameters and moderate water flow to thrive, as well as regular feeding with planktonic foods or specialized coral feeds.

Can button polyps harm other corals in a reef tank?

Button polyps can be aggressive towards other corals in a reef tank. They have the ability to extend their sweeper tentacles, which can sting and damage neighboring corals. It's important to provide adequate space between button polyps and other coral species to prevent competition for space and resources, ensuring a harmonious reef tank environment.

What kind of lighting do button polyps need?

Button polyps are quite adaptable to different lighting conditions, but they generally prefer moderate to high-intensity lighting. LED or T5 fluorescent lighting systems that provide a full spectrum of light are ideal for promoting growth and maintaining the vibrant colors of button polyps. It's essential to acclimate them slowly to the lighting conditions in your aquarium to avoid stress.

How can you tell if button polyps are healthy?

Healthy button polyps will display vibrant colors, have fully extended polyps during the day, and actively capture food when fed. Their base, or mat, will be firmly attached to a surface, and they will show steady growth over time. Signs of distress include retracted polyps, discoloration, or sloughing of the outer tissue, indicating poor water quality or disease.

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