Zoantharia is an order of marine cnidarians within Hexacorallia, comprising solitary and colonial polyps that are closely related to sea anemones. Many members form interconnected colonies across rocks, coral reefs, hydroids, sponges, and other marine substrates, while some species strengthen their body walls by incorporating sand grains and other particles. Zoantharia obtains nutrition through the capture of suspended food and, in many shallow-water species, through symbiosis with photosynthetic microorganisms, allowing the group to occupy environments ranging from sunlit reefs to the deep sea. Some members may contain highly potent toxins, making careful handling essential when they are maintained or collected.
