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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 a diverse group of corals highly prized in the reef keeping hobby for their wide range of colors and patterns, appealing to both beginners and seasoned collectors. These corals tend to multiply rapidly once settled in a suitable environment, making them a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Demands and Hardiness (Setup)
Zoanthus and Palythoa are relatively easy to care for, tolerating a broad spectrum of lighting intensities and water conditions. While they primarily derive nutrients from their zooxanthellae, these corals also have the capacity to capture prey. Zoanthus and Palythoa setups should involve moderate water flow to prevent detritus accumulation, which can impede growth or even cause colonies to decline.
Lighting
When it comes to lighting, Zoanthus and Palythoa are not as demanding as some other coral species. They can thrive under various lighting types, ranging from low to high intensities. Acclimating these corals to lower light conditions upon introduction is recommended to avoid potential damage from excessive exposure.
Water Flow
Maintaining moderate water flow is crucial for Zoanthus and Palythoa setups to minimize detritus buildup and flush away waste produced by the colonies. Strong and consistent water flow, with occasional bursts of increased intensity, can help keep these corals healthy and prevent stagnation. Manual intervention, such as using a turkey baster to dislodge detritus, can also aid in maintaining a clean environment for the corals.
Feeding
While Zoanthus and Palythoa primarily rely on their zooxanthellae for nutrition, these corals can capture prey as well. Liquid and powdery foods containing Phytoplankton and Zooplankton particles ranging from 20um to 1mm are suitable for feeding Zoanthus and Palythoa, with Palythoa showing a greater inclination towards actively feeding compared to Zoanthus.
Propagation
Both Zoanthus and Palythoa have been extensively propagated in captivity, making them excellent candidates for aquaculture. With sustainable harvesting practices, it is feasible to achieve a consistent supply of these corals over time.
Localization & Habitat
In the wild, Zoanthus and Palythoa are found in coral reefs across the globe, with major harvesting areas located in the Indopacific regions like Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. The abundance of colors and patterns in these corals contributes to their popularity among reef aquarium enthusiasts.