Hey, Reefers! Let’s talk Zoanthids & Palythoas!
Unsurprisingly, their vibrant colors, limitless varieties, and unique growth patterns have long favored them among all aquarium enthusiasts! These captivating corals, often referred to as “Zoas” or “Palys,” will not only add a huge splash of color to your tank but they are considered some of the hardiest and easiest to care for corals, no matter what level of reefer you may be. They are quite tolerant to parameter swings to an extent, which makes them a great option for first-time reefers who are still dialing levels in and getting the hang of coral husbandry.
Zoas and Palys are found in various marine habitats, from temperate waters to tropical reefs. They are mostly found in shallow depths with plenty of sunlight and nutrient-rich water, where they thrive in symbiosis with zooxanthellae, which is photosynthetic algae. This algae provides them with much of their nutritional requirements through photosynthesis, giving them their vibrant colors. They’re also very good at filter feeding with their flowing tentacles, catching smaller bits of food, then closing up like a “button” to feed.
You should place these soft corals in areas that receive moderate to higher water flow, which allows them to get nutrients efficiently and for waste to be taken away. It also allows for the removal of detritus and algae films that may build up on the polyps, which is why adequate flow is key to their health. They can also handle a variety of lighting spectrums from lower to higher lighting, making them quite versatile. They will do best with a period of at least 8 – 12 hours of lighting per day.
Zoanthids and Palythoas thrive in a variety of water parameters. Salinity is best kept at 1.025 to 1.026. Water temps from 75 to 78 degrees, 8-12 dKH for Alkalinity, 400-450 ppm Calcium, and 1250 – 1350 ppm Magnesium. Remember to make regular water changes each week of 10 to 20 percent to ensure long-term health.
Feeding is always a fun and rewarding experience with these corals. While they will acquire a good amount of nutrients from your water column and photosynthesis, it is also best practice to target feed them as well. Using a pipette or turkey baster, feed each individual polyp directly with finer foods, such as phyto- or zooplankton. Feed them around twice a week for the best long-term health and growth of your colony or frag. They can be susceptible to pests, so it’s best to dip this coral periodically or when the need arises.
Zoas and Palys are hands down some of the best corals that offer a colorful display, especially when put into small or larger groups and are allowed to grow together into “gardens.” They are very peaceful and nonaggressive coral, coexisting with a wide range of corals, fish, and invertebrates. They are also easy to propagate through fragmentation! They grow & reproduce at a relatively fast pace and are great to share/trade with other hobbyists, making them a very sustainable coral in the hobby.
They are also one of the most diverse types of corals when it comes to color variety and pattern. These little soft corals pack a serious punch in the color department! Coming in almost every single color and color combination possible. This, paired with their easy fragility and fast growth, make them just about the most popular selection for Aquaculture! An almost never-ending list of new names and strains popping up all the time makes these corals very fun to collect.
Red Hornet zoanthids – a must have classic!
If you do decide to frag Zoas or Palys, wearing gloves and using eye protection is essential. Don’t touch your eyes or face after cutting/handling them and always wash your hands after. While uncommon, some species can contain Palytoxin, which is a highly toxic marine toxin that can be extremely harmful to your health. Even though not all contain it, it’s best to treat them all the same and use caution. Better safe than sorry!
These corals can reproduce both asexually and sexually. Asexual reproduction involves the process of budding, which is when the coral grows a new polyp, which then detaches itself to form an individual polyp. Sexual reproduction involves spawning events where male and female polyps release their egg and sperm, which is triggered by things such as water temps and lunar cycles. Free swimming larvae then settle in new areas where they will attach and grow into new corals.
Zoanthids and Palythoas are one of the most rewarding, easy to care for, nonaggressive, extremely hardy, easy to propagate, great for all levels of aquarium hobbyist corals out there! They certainly add a splash of color to your aquascape as well!
