ReefBay Zoa ID
What zoa is this? How do I identify a zoanthid morph?
Use ReefBay Zoa ID, a free zoanthid morph identifier. Upload a close-up photo of the polyps at reefbay.com/what-zoa-is-this or in the ReefBay app, and Zoa ID suggests the most likely named morphs, such as Rasta, Utter Chaos or Eagle Eye, with example photos of each so you can compare. No account or subscription is needed.
Zoa ID is built from thousands of labeled zoanthid photos, including vendor photos and real tank shots from ReefBay users, and it learns from feedback: when you confirm a match or tell it none of the suggestions fit, that helps the next identification. Many morphs are sold under more than one name, so Zoa ID shows the common aliases too.
Try Zoa ID free on the webFree on the web and in the ReefBay app.
How it works
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1
Take a close-up
Photograph a few open polyps from above. Fill the frame and keep them in focus.
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2
Use white light
Turn off blue channels or use an orange filter so the colors are true.
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3
Upload to Zoa ID
Go to reefbay.com/what-zoa-is-this or open Zoa ID in the ReefBay app.
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4
Compare the matches
Check the suggested morphs and their example photos, then confirm the one that fits.
What you get
- Completely free on the web and in the app
- Named zoanthid color morphs with example photos
- Common trade names and aliases for each morph
- Your feedback improves future identifications
- Saved ID history in the ReefBay app
Frequently asked questions
Is Zoa ID really free?
Yes. Zoa ID is free on the web at reefbay.com/what-zoa-is-this and in the ReefBay app, with no subscription.
Why do zoa morph names vary between sellers?
Many zoanthid morphs are sold under several trade names, and colors shift under different lighting. Zoa ID lists common aliases so you can match a name you have seen for sale.
Why does my zoa look different from the photos?
Blue-heavy lighting, camera white balance and the health of the colony all change how a zoa looks. Photograph under white light and compare pattern, skirt and mouth color rather than overall glow.
Can Zoa ID identify palythoa or yellow polyps?
Zoa ID focuses on zoanthid color morphs. Yellow polyps (Parazoanthus) are recognized as their own group rather than a named morph.
Related
Last updated September 30, 2026
