Red bands on zoa polyps

Reef Quest 11 · 2026-10-29T23:19:45-0400

Have these pervasive red bands on the zoas now for awhile. Noticed them well over a month ago and was hoping letting it be would let it get better. It started off looking more like a rash but now looks like rubber bands instead, almost looks like its constructing the zoa. Tried blasting it off with a turkey baster and they didnt seem to budge.

Anyone know what this is or how to deal with it?

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Gumbies R Us · 2026-10-30T07:06:17-0400

#reefsquad

Mr. Mojo Rising · 2026-10-30T07:57:22-0400

I don't see a red band on the zoa's

Reef Quest 11 · 2026-10-30T08:23:28-0400

Mr. Mojo Rising said:
I don't see a red band on the zoa's

On the very first photo, all four of the prominent polys have some sort of constriction going on about half way down the head, it appears to be red.

Are you being facetious in that you know its something else or should I draw a picture? I am more then happy to draw a picture if it will help.

Mr. Mojo Rising · 2026-10-30T08:36:24-0400

I'm trying to help you bro. This is what I see if I blow up the picture. It might be me I'm getting older and my eyes are not so sharp anymore, but I can't see a red band in this pic.

Reef Quest 11 · 2026-10-30T08:40:36-0400

Mr. Mojo Rising said:
I'm trying to help you bro. This is what I see if I blow up the picture. It might be me I'm getting older and my eyes are not so sharp anymore, but I can't see a red band in this pic.

My bad!!

Tried to color on it a little, hope this is helpful

Rocks reef · 2026-10-30T10:46:09-0400

They look normal to me. Some varieties of zoanthids have a colored column or stalk.

Reef Quest 11 · 2026-10-30T11:11:26-0400

Rocks reef said:
Looks perfectly normal to me. Some of my zoas have a different colored stalk

Not every polyp has the red band, i believe the one unpictured doesnt have it.

Even with the constricting appearance, it doesnt seem concerning?

I think also the fact that it has changed over time has me alarmed.

They do seem to open and close perfectly normally and dont really seem agitated other then the constriction.