Microzoanthidae Fujii & Reimer, 2011

Swain, Timothy D. & Swain, Laura M., 2014, Molecular parataxonomy as taxon description: examples from recently named Zoanthidea (Cnidaria: Anthozoa) with revision based on serial histology of microanatomy, Zootaxa 3796 (1), pp. 81-107 : 99

Family Microzoanthidae Fujii & Reimer, 2011

Zoanthidea with macrocnemic mesenterial arrangement and simple endodermal marginal musculature. Species are free-living and are found attached cryptically under rubble or interstices throughout temperate and tropical Pacific. Azooxanthellate. Microzoanthidae share specific genetic characters (of the mitochondrial COI and 16S rDNA genes) and are differentiated from other Zoanthidea by encrustations that penetrate to the ectodermal surface of the mesoglea, but not into the mesoglea itself. Expanded polyps to 3 mm diameter and 10 mm length, encrusted, and connected by coenenchyme stolons. Oral disk calathiform and margin ornamented with distinct zig-zag pattern. Tentacles 20–26, 6– 9 mm long (diagnosis expanded from Fujii & Reimer 2011).