Reality of varried Zoanthid gardens. Do they exist in nature?

[Mr. Microscope]

Hello All,

I've been giving some thought to zoanthids in regards to keeping things looking like they do in a reef. Every time I see images of zoas in the wild, it's just one variety spread out all over the place. I'm no diver. So, I've never seen them personally in the wild.

My question is this: In nature, do you see 5, 10, 20 different types of zoanthids all in one spot blending together in a rainbow of color like we do in many of our aquariums, or is this just a hobbyist's dream?

If anyone has any pictures or personal experience please share!

 

[mfinn]

Have you seen these pictures?

http://www.zoaid.com/index.php?module=Gallery2&g2_itemId=2108

 

[Akwarius]

Look at the wild colonies on Diver's Den for example. They are collected directly from the ocean and often times have several color morphs on a single rock.

 

[diddy2k]

personally i'm not a fan, doesn't look manicured enough for my taste in my aquascape. just my armpit though

 

[lbaldrey]

I have a rock with 4-5 morphs on it...its not uncommon