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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 reef keeping due to their vibrant colors and patterns, appealing to both novice aquarists and collectors in search of rare morphs. These corals are known for their rapid multiplication once acclimated, making them a popular choice in the hobby.
Demands and Hardiness
Both Zoanthus and Palythoa are relatively easy to care for, tolerating a broad spectrum of lighting intensities and water conditions. They are robust and hardy once settled, thriving in varying aquarium environments. Zoanthus by nature tend to accumulate detritus, which can hinder growth; thus, ensuring moderate to strong water flow is crucial for their well-being.
Lighting
Zoanthus and Palythoa are not as demanding in terms of lighting compared to other corals, adapting well to a wide range of lighting setups from low to high intensity. It is recommended to acclimate these corals to lower light initially to prevent potential damage from excessive exposure.
Water Flow
Maintaining moderate water flow is essential for Zoanthus and Palythoa as it helps prevent detritus buildup and removes waste produced by the colonies. Strong, consistent flow with occasional bursts of high intensity is ideal to keep these corals healthy. Manual cleaning with a gentle water stream from a turkey baster can also aid in deterring detritus accumulation, especially for established colonies.
Feeding
While Zoanthus and Palythoa primarily rely on products from their zooxanthellae for energy, they have the ability to capture prey. Palythoa are known to be more responsive to feeding compared to Zoanthus, as they can capture and consume small particulate foods such as phytoplankton and zooplankton.
Propagation
Both Zoanthus and Palythoa have been extensively propagated in captivity, making them excellent candidates for aquaculture. Sustainable harvest practices are being developed, showing promise for the future of these corals in the reef aquarium trade.
Localization & Habitat
Found in coral reefs worldwide, Zoanthus and Palythoa are commonly harvested from regions in the Indopacific such as Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their stunning array of colors and patterns contribute to their popularity among reef enthusiasts and collectors.