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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, appealing to both novice and experienced collectors. These corals are known for their rapid multiplication once settled in.
Demands and Hardiness
Zoanthus and Palythoa are relatively easy to care for, tolerating a broad spectrum of lighting intensities and water conditions. They are hardy corals that can adapt to varying environments, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced hobbyists. It is advisable to acclimate new specimens to lower light conditions initially to prevent damage from overexposure.
Lighting
These corals are not as demanding as some other species when it comes to lighting, thriving under a wide spectrum ranging from low to high light. They can acclimate to different light types and are tolerant of various light conditions.
Water Flow
Maintaining moderate water flow is essential for Zoanthus and Palythoa, as their morphology can lead to detritus accumulation which may impede growth or cause harm. Strong water flow helps in preventing detritus buildup and flushing away waste. Creating a flow pattern with short bursts of intense flow can be beneficial, and manual removal of detritus with a turkey baster is recommended for established colonies.
Feeding
While these corals largely rely on the products of their zooxanthellae for energy, they have the ability to capture prey for additional nutrition. Palythoa polyps tend to be more actively feeding compared to Zoanthus.
Propagation
Zoanthus and Palythoa have been extensively propagated in captivity, making them ideal candidates for aquaculture. With continued efforts, achieving sustainable harvests of these corals is a realistic possibility.
Localization & Habitat
These corals are found in coral reefs worldwide, primarily harvested from regions in the Indopacific such as Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their remarkable color variations and patterns contribute to their popularity in reef aquariums.