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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 for their wide range of colors and patterns. They are popular among both novice aquarists and collectors looking for rare color morphs. The Pink Krakatoa Zoanthid, for example, showcases an exquisite blend of pink and purple hues with starlight speckles transitioning into a neon green rim.
Demands and Hardiness
Zoanthus and Palythoa are relatively easy to care for, tolerating a broad spectrum of lighting intensities and water conditions. These corals can thrive under both low and high lighting, but acclimating new specimens in lower light is recommended to prevent damage from overexposure. They are known to multiply quickly once settled in, making them a popular choice for propagation and aquaculture.
Lighting
Zoanthus and Palythoa are not demanding when it comes to lighting requirements. They can adapt to various lighting setups and are resilient to both low and high light conditions. However, acclimating them in lower light initially is crucial to prevent potential harm from excessive light exposure.
Water Flow
Moderate water flow is ideal for Zoanthus and Palythoa as their shape can lead to detritus accumulation, which may hinder growth or even cause decline. Strong water flow helps in minimizing detritus buildup and flushing away waste generated by the colony. Providing consistent strong flow with periodic bursts of very strong flow or manually detritus removal with a turkey baster can aid in maintaining a clean environment for the corals.
Feeding
While Zoanthus and Palythoa primarily derive their energy from zooxanthellae, they also have the ability to capture prey. These corals feed on liquid and powdery foods such as Phytoplankton and Zooplankton, with Palythoa displaying a greater propensity for feeding compared to Zoanthus.
Propagation
Both Zoas and Palys have been extensively propagated in captivity, making them excellent candidates for aquaculture. With proper care and attention, a sustainable harvest of these corals can be achieved over time, contributing to their conservation and availability in the hobby.
Localization & Habitat
Zoanthus and Palythoa are commonly found in coral reefs worldwide, particularly harvested from regions in the Indopacific like Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their vibrant array of colors and patterns, alongside their ease of care and rapid propagation, have solidified their position as one of the most popular coral choices in the reef aquarium hobby.