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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 wide range of colors and patterns, making them popular among both novice enthusiasts and rare coral collectors looking for unique color morphs.
Demands and Hardiness
Zoanthus and Palythoa are relatively easy to care for, able to tolerate a broad spectrum of lighting intensities and water conditions. Once acclimated, these corals exhibit rapid multiplication, adding vibrancy to any reef tank setup.
Lighting
These corals are not as demanding as other species when it comes to lighting, being able to thrive under various light intensities ranging from low to high. However, it is advisable to acclimate new specimens to lower light levels initially to prevent potential damage from excessive light exposure.
Water Flow
Moderate water flow is ideal for Zoanthus and Palythoa as their structure can attract detritus accumulation, which, if left unchecked, may impede growth or lead to coral deterioration. Ensuring consistent water movement with intermittent strong flows helps keep detritus at bay and flushes away waste generated by the colony.
Feeding
While these corals primarily obtain nutrients from their zooxanthellae, Zoanthus and Palythoa possess the ability to capture prey, with Palythoa polyps showing a greater inclination towards feeding compared to Zoanthus counterparts. Liquid and powdery foods containing Phytoplankton and Zooplankton particles within the 20um-1mm size range are suitable for these corals.
Propagation
Both Zoanthus and Palythoa have been extensively propagated in captivity, making them excellent candidates for aquaculture. With ongoing efforts, achieving sustainable harvests of these corals seems plausible, contributing to conservation and cultivation endeavors in the reef keeping community.
Localization & Habitat
Zoanthus and Palythoa are commonly found in coral reefs worldwide, with major harvesting areas located in the Indopacific regions such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their diverse array of colors and patterns has established them as highly coveted corals in the reef aquarium hobby.