Zoanthids and Palythoas

Common names: zoos, zoanthids, button polyps, palythoas, palys

Difficulty Level: Zoanthids are extremely tolerant and a great choice for beginners.

Feeding: These corals prefer phytoplankton.

Lighting (Level 4 to 10): Zoas will adapt to almost any type of lighting.

Water flow: These corals do well with moderate to high water flow.

Placement: Zoas have a slight sting which should be taken in to account, but it is their quick growth rate that should be considered the most. Leave them plenty of room to fully extend and grow.

General: These corals come in an endless variety of colors and sizes. Though they are nearly the same biologically their unique zooxanthellae has given them endless names in reference to their color. Many of these colors are dependent on lighting conditions and will color morph under the wrong type of lighting.

Photo by Corailline of 3reef

Back to the coral guide.