Common Names

Too many to list

Origin

Australia, Philippines

Description

Zoanthidae are among the easiest, most colorful and varied corals to keep.  They are highly recommended for the beginner reefer and prized by the most advanced.  The number and variation in color morphs is amazing.  The highlight of the Zoanthidae are the polyps which interconnect with one another by forming a mat on the rock or substrate.

Care Level: Easy

Placement: All

Lighting: High

Flow: Moderate

Conditions: 72°-82°, s.g. 1.023-1.025, Phosphates 0, Cal 380-430, dKH 8-11, Mag 1250-1300, Sr 8-10

Conditions & Placement

Zoanthidae are very hardy but generally prefer stronger lighting conditions.  Insufficient lighting will be evident by the polyps ‘stretching’ towards the surface.  Moderate, but not strong, water flow is best.  While Zoanthidae get along well with one another they should be spaced a bit apart from other corals to avoid possible chemical warfare.

Feeding

Zoanthidae are photosynthetic but also feed on small amounts of suitable foods brought to them through the water currents.  Such foods include zooplankton, brine and mysis along with a wide variety of commercially available specialty coral food blends.

Maintenance

Monthly water changes of 20% or bi-weekly water changes of at least 10% are suggested.  Iodine is a beneficial supplement for the wellbeing of Zoanthidae.

Warnings

*** Zoanthidae contain powerful palytoxin that can cause irritation or illness if ingested or entering the bloodstream so care should be taken (including eye protection) when handling or fragging these corals!

Keep an eye out for algae which can overgrow Zoanthidae polyps causing them to not open up and or eventually wither away.