Assorted Zoa Frags - Zoanthus sp.

Assorted Zoa (Zoanthus sp.)

Assorted Zoa is a colourful soft coral selection loved for its bright polyps, attractive patterns and ability to add vivid colour across reef rockwork. Zoanthus corals are popular with reef keepers thanks to their wide range of colour morphs, relatively forgiving care requirements and attractive mat-forming growth in stable marine aquariums.

Common Name:
Assorted Zoa, Zoanthus Coral, Zoas, Button Polyps, Colony Polyps

Scientific Name (Latin):
Zoanthus sp.

Coral Type:
Soft Coral

Growth Form:
Mat-forming soft coral with individual polyps spreading across rockwork or suitable reef surfaces.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Zoanthus corals are found across tropical reef environments, including Indo-Pacific reef flats, lagoons, rubble zones and shallow rockwork where they receive moderate light, steady water movement and stable marine conditions.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Alkalinity: 7–10 dKH
Calcium: 400–450 ppm
Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
Nitrate: Low but detectable
Phosphate: Low but detectable

Lighting:
LOW TO MEDIUM
Assorted Zoa generally does well under low to medium reef lighting. Many colour forms can adapt to stronger lighting over time, but sudden increases in intensity may cause the polyps to close or lose colour. Gradual light acclimation is recommended when introducing them to a new aquarium.

Flow:
LOW TO MEDIUM
Provide gentle to moderate indirect flow that keeps the polyps clean and helps prevent detritus from settling between them. Avoid harsh direct flow, as this can cause the polyps to remain closed or prevent natural expansion.

Placement:
Place on lower to middle rockwork where the polyps can receive suitable light and steady flow. Allow space for the mat to spread, and avoid placing directly beside slower-growing corals that may be overgrown as the Zoanthus colony expands.

Temperament / Aggression:
Peaceful to semi-aggressive
Zoanthus corals do not usually sting aggressively, but they can spread over nearby surfaces and compete for space. Some soft corals may also contribute to chemical warfare in mixed reefs, so good filtration, activated carbon and sensible spacing are helpful.

Feeding:
Photosynthetic, but benefits from feeding
Assorted Zoa receives much of its energy from light through its symbiotic zooxanthellae. It may also benefit from fine coral foods, amino acids, phytoplankton-based foods and very small particulate foods, although heavy feeding is not required.

Growth Rate:
Moderate to fast
In a stable reef aquarium, Zoanthus corals can spread steadily across rockwork and develop into colourful displays. Growth rate varies depending on the colour form, lighting, flow, nutrient levels and overall aquarium stability.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Assorted Zoa is generally hardy, but stable parameters, moderate nutrients and clean water movement will help support good polyp extension and colour. Avoid letting detritus build up between the polyps, and inspect carefully before introduction for pests such as nudibranchs, sundial snails or irritating algae. Always handle Zoanthus corals with care, avoid cutting or damaging tissue unnecessarily, and wash hands thoroughly after handling due to the potential presence of palytoxin in some related zoanthid corals.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate reefkeepers

Availability:
Regularly available in the coral trade

All images are a visual representation of the coral you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns, colours and growth form will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.