Zoanthids (Zoas) are among the most vibrant and beginner-friendly corals in the reefing hobby. Their hardiness, fast growth, and incredible color morphs make them a favorite for both newcomers and collectors. In this guide, we’ll dive into the full care profile of Zoanthids, including lighting, flow, placement, feeding, fragging, pest control, and how to promote lush, vibrant colonies.
Zoanthids are soft polyps that form mats or colonies over rockwork. They come in hundreds of color combinations, often named after their appearance (e.g., Rasta, Bam Bam, Utter Chaos). While technically not true anemones or LPS/SPS, they fall under soft coral classification.
Growth Style: Encrusting mats and clusters
Polyp Size: ~0.25–1 inch
Color Range: Nearly unlimited—fluorescent, metallic, pastel, and multi-colored
Intensity: Moderate to high PAR (100–250)
Spectrum: Full-spectrum LEDs or T5s with UV/actinic boost color expression
Signs of Too Much Light: Bleaching, fading, or retracted polyps
Signs of Too Little Light: Brown coloration, stretching polyps, slow growth
💡 Tip: Acclimate new Zoas to brighter lights slowly to prevent shock.
Moderate, indirect flow is best. It helps:
Prevent detritus buildup
Encourage feeding response
Maintain clean tissue and open polyps
🚫 Avoid direct, blasting flow—this causes closed polyps and detachment.
Tank Zone | Placement Guidance |
|---|---|
Bottom | Great for lower-light acclimation |
Mid-level | Ideal for color and growth balance |
Frag Racks | Perfect for propagation and monitoring |
📌 Use reef-safe glue or frag plugs. Zoas spread easily once established.
While they are photosynthetic, feeding enhances growth.
Use:
Reef Roids
Coral Frenzy Powder
Reef Nutrition Oyster Feast
Feed once or twice weekly with a pipette or turkey baster.
Use a sharp scalpel or coral shears
Detach individual polyps or clusters
Glue to frag plugs or rubble rock
Allow to heal in low flow for 2–5 days
🧤 Wear gloves! Some Zoas release palytoxin, a dangerous neurotoxin if ingested or exposed to open wounds.
Pest | Effect | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
Zoanthid-eating Spiders | Closed polyps, slow death | Dip in CoralRx or Revive |
Nudibranchs | Consume tissue, lay hard-to-see eggs | Manual removal + dips |
Fungus or Bacteria | Melting, rapid decay | Iodine dips, isolation |
Algae Overgrowth | Suffocates polyps | Reduce nutrients, improve flow |
Brush gently with a soft coral brush to remove debris/algae
Dip new Zoas before tank introduction
Monitor for closed polyps—a key stress signal
Maintain stable parameters to avoid melting or detachment
Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
Temperature | 76–78°F |
Salinity | 1.025 |
Alkalinity | 8–9.5 dKH |
Calcium | 400–450 ppm |
Magnesium | 1250–1350 ppm |
Nitrate | 2–10 ppm |
Phosphate | 0.02–0.1 |
Bam Bams – Bright orange with green centers
Rastas – Fluorescent green, yellow, and red rings
Utter Chaos – Deep orange/purple with chaotic pattern
Blue Hornets – Electric blue with neon skirts
Sunny D’s – Pink and green high-contrast morph
Zoanthids are a reef keeper’s best friend—colorful, fast-growing, and forgiving. With proper care and regular observation, Zoas can form thriving carpets of color across your aquascape. Whether you’re starting a nano reef or building a show tank, Zoanthids are a must-have coral species.
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