🌺 Zoanthid Coral (Zoas) – Care & Description
🧬 Scientific Classification:
✨ Description:
Zoanthids are colonial soft corals composed of individual polyps connected by a mat-like tissue called the coenenchyme. Each polyp looks like a mini sea anemone and often comes in wild, eye-catching color combos — think neon greens, fiery oranges, deep purples, and bright blues.
They're popular in saltwater reef tanks because they grow fast, add a splash of color, and can create stunning “zoa gardens.”
🛠️ Care Level:
Easy to Moderate – Great for beginners with some reef experience.
🌊 Water Parameters:
💡 Lighting:
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Moderate to high.
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Zoas love light but can bleach under too much intensity too fast.
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Use LEDs or T5s, and acclimate them slowly to brighter setups.
🌬️ Water Flow:
🍽️ Feeding:
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Mostly photosynthetic via zooxanthellae (symbiotic algae), but they’ll appreciate occasional target feeding.
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Offer reef-safe foods like Reef Roids, coral amino acids, or phyto/zooplankton.
🌱 Placement & Growth:
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Place them on live rock or frag plugs where they have space to grow.
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They can spread rapidly and may outcompete nearby corals, so plan ahead.
⚠️ Caution – Zoanthid Toxins (Palytoxin):
Some zoas may contain palytoxin, which is extremely dangerous if ingested or absorbed through cuts. Always:
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Handle with gloves and eye protection.
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Avoid fragging unless you’re confident in your technique.
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Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
✅ Pro Tips:
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Dip new zoas to remove pests (use coral dips like Revive or Bayer).
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Watch out for nudibranchs, sundial snails, and zoa-eating spiders.
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Don't panic if they close up temporarily – check parameters and pests first.
