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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 sought after in the reef keeping hobby due to their extensive range of colors and patterns, appealing to both novice enthusiasts and seasoned collectors on the lookout for rare color variations. These corals are known for their rapid multiplication once acclimated to their environment.
Demands and Hardiness
Zoanthus and Palythoa are relatively undemanding species, displaying resilience to varying lighting intensities and water conditions. They can thrive in both low and high light settings, with acclimation to lower light recommended for newly introduced specimens to prevent damage from excessive light exposure. Regular feeding with liquid and powdery foods rich in Phytoplankton and Zooplankton particles helps in maintaining their health.
Lighting
The lighting requirements for Zoanthus and Palythoa corals are flexible compared to other coral varieties. They can adapt to a wide range of lighting setups, making them suitable for tanks with diverse lighting types. While they are capable of surviving in both low and high light conditions, precaution is advised to prevent potential harm from intense lighting.
Water Flow
Moderate water flow is favored for Zoanthus and Palythoa corals to prevent detritus accumulation, which can hinder growth or lead to colony decline. Strong and consistent water flow, along with intermittent bursts of increased flow, aids in flushing away waste and detritus. Manual intervention, such as using a turkey baster to gently dislodge buildup, can be beneficial for established colonies.
Feeding
Although these corals derive a significant portion of their nutrition from zooxanthellae, Zoanthus and Palythoa polyps have the ability to capture prey. While Palythoa specimens tend to display a more active feeding behavior compared to Zoanthus, providing liquid and powdery foods containing Phytoplankton and Zooplankton particles ensures their dietary requirements are met.
Propagation
Zoanthus and Palythoa corals have been successfully propagated in captivity, making them ideal candidates for aquaculture. Efforts towards sustainable harvesting in the future hold promise for maintaining healthy populations of these corals in reef ecosystems.
Localization & Habitat
Zoanthus and Palythoa colonies are commonly found in coral reefs worldwide, particularly harvested from regions in the Indopacific such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their varied colors and patterns contribute to their popularity among reef aquarium enthusiasts, highlighting their significance in marine ecosystems.