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Datasheet
| Care Description | Zoanthus and Palythoa are a large group of corals in the reef keeping hobby. They come in an incredible range of colors and patterns making them very popular with both beginner hobbyists and rare coral collectors tracking down uncommon color morphs. In terms of care, both Zoanthus and Palythoa are fairly easy to keep. They tolerate a wide range of lighting intensities and water conditions. Once settled in, zoas multiply quickly. Please see below for more care tips for Zoas and Palys. |
| Water Flow | Moderate |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.023-1.026 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
Zoanthus and Palythoa are coral species that belong to a large group in the reef-keeping hobby. They are highly sought after due to their incredible range of colors and patterns, appealing to both beginner hobbyists and rare coral collectors looking for uncommon color morphs.
Demands and Hardiness
Zoanthus and Palythoa are relatively easy to care for, tolerating a wide variety of lighting intensities and water conditions. These corals quickly multiply once settled in, making them a resilient choice for reef tanks. It is recommended to acclimate new arrivals to lower light areas to prevent damage from overexposure.
Lighting
Zoanthus and Palythoa are not demanding in terms of lighting requirements. They can thrive under a broad spectrum of lighting types, ranging from low to high intensities. While they are tolerant of various light conditions, acclimating them in lower light areas initially is advised to prevent potential damage.
Water Flow
Moderate water flow is ideal for Zoanthus and Palythoa corals. Their shape tends to accumulate detritus, which can impede growth or lead to colony decline if not managed properly. Strong water flow helps minimize detritus buildup and flushes away waste generated by the colony. Providing consistent flow with occasional strong bursts or manual removal using a turkey baster can help maintain a clean environment for these corals.
Feeding
While Zoanthus and Palythoa primarily obtain energy from their zooxanthellae, they can also capture prey. Palythoa polyps are more likely to feed actively compared to Zoanthus counterparts. Liquid and powdery foods containing phytoplankton and zooplankton particles within the range of 20um-1mm are suitable for feeding these corals.
Propagation
Both Zoanthus and Palythoa have been extensively propagated in captivity and are suitable candidates for aquaculture. Sustainable harvesting practices have the potential to be achieved over time, making these corals a viable option for propagation efforts.
Localization & Habitat
Zoanthus and Palythoa are commonly found in coral reefs worldwide, with harvesting mainly taking place in islands across the Indopacific region such as Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their diverse array of colors and patterns contribute to their popularity among reef aquarium enthusiasts.