Sasankovec Kožovitý

Overview

Zoanthus sociatus, often called the green sea mat or button polyp, is a colonial cnidarian known for forming vibrant, mat-like structures on tropical reefs. These organisms are highly resilient, capable of surviving in shallow, high-energy environments and even enduring temporary exposure to air during low tide.

Distribution & habitat

This species is primarily found in the tropical Western Atlantic, ranging from the Caribbean to southeastern Brazil. They typically inhabit lower intertidal and upper subtidal zones, often colonizing reef flats, rocky substrates, and disturbed areas where they may dominate other zoanthid species.

Appearance

Z. sociatus forms elaborate, piecemeal mats consisting of individual polyps connected at their bases by a thin tissue called a coenenchyme. The polyps are generally shades of green or turquoise, sometimes featuring a yellowish oral cone, and typically possess around 30 short tentacles arranged in multiples of six.

Biology & behavior

As a colonial, sessile organism, Z. sociatus is well-adapted to its environment, showing a remarkable tolerance for fluctuations in salinity and moisture loss. The polyps remain extended both day and night. Like many other zoanthids, they contain palytoxin, a potent chemical defense that helps protect them from predators.

Feeding

These polyps rely heavily on a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae (zooxanthellae) housed within their tissues, which provides them with the majority of their energy. In addition to photosynthesis, they are known to feed opportunistically on detritus found in their environment.