Zoanthus sp.
| Care Level | Easy — great beginner coral |
| Lighting | Low to high |
| Water Flow | Low to moderate |
| Placement | Low to mid rock |
| Aggression | Peaceful, spreads |
| Coloration | Every color imaginable |
Color Variations
Zoanthids is available in several designer color morphs. The coloration is purely cosmetic — every one takes the same care described above.
Overview
Zoanthids (“zoas”) are colonial button polyps that come in a dazzling array of colors and patterns, with named designer morphs commanding high prices. Hardy, colorful, and fast-growing, they are among the most popular corals in the hobby.
Care & Placement
Very adaptable — they take low to high light and gentle-to-moderate flow, coloring up best under moderate light. They encrust and spread across rock over time. If polyps stay closed, check for flatworms, nudibranchs, or too much/too little flow.
Feeding
Photosynthetic, but they respond well to feeding — target-feed small meaty foods or coral foods to boost growth and color.
Propagation
Easy to frag — cut the mat between polyps or pop individual polyps off a plug and glue to new frag plugs.
Full step-by-step: How to Frag Zoanthids and Palythoas (Safely)
Cautions
IMPORTANT: Zoanthids and palythoas can contain palytoxin, one of the most potent natural toxins known. Wear gloves and eye protection, never handle with open cuts, and never boil or scrape rock with them in open air. Keep away from children and pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are zoanthids good for beginners?
Yes. They’re among the hardiest, fastest-growing, and most colorful corals, tolerant of a wide range of light and flow, which makes them a favorite starter coral.
Are zoanthids dangerous to handle?
They can be. Many zoas and the related palythoas contain palytoxin, a serious toxin. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling or fragging, never do it near your face, and never boil or scrape rock with palys on it.
Why won’t my zoanthids open?
New or stressed zoas often stay closed for days while adjusting to light and flow. Persistent closing can signal too much flow, irritation, or pests like zoa-eating nudibranchs, so check for tiny pests if they keep declining.