Top 10 Zoanthids & Palythoa Corals
Zoanthids and Palythoa are a large group of corals in the reef-keeping hobby. They come in an incredible range of colors and patterns, making them very popular with both beginner hobbyists and rare coral collectors tracking down the uncommon color morphs to create impressive zoa gardens.
Zoanthids are amongst the most commonly collected coral in the saltwater aquarium hobby. They're easily propagated and are known for being very hardy in a variety of water parameters, making them a great soft coral for beginners! Here is our list of the top 10 Zoanthids and Palythoa for reef aquariums.
Orange Bam Bam Zoanthid
Orange is an unusual color to find in a reef tank, so the Bam Bam Zoa will make a stunning addition to any aquarium. These Zoanthids truly have intense orange fluorescence!
Orange Bam Bams are fairly cheap and are fast growers. Many aquarium hobbyists report five new Bam Bam polyps every month. Most Bam Bam Zoas have thin and long skirts, which gives them a unique wavy look.
The Orange Bam Bam Zoanthid is a great choice for beginners because it is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters.
Blueberry Fields Zoanthid
Likely the most underrated Zoa available for reef tanks is the Blueberry Field. However, they are very cheap and grow very fast, making them very appealing to both beginner and expert hobbyists. Blueberry Fields Forever Zoa is colored violet/baby blue with green tentacles and a stunning yellow mouth. This unique look makes them stand out from other Zoanthids and Palythoa Corals.
The Blueberry Fields Zoanthid is a great choice for beginners because it is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters.
Fire and Ice Zoanthid
The Fire and Ice Zoanthid is a beautiful coral that has a striking contrast of colors. The polyps have a bright red center that is surrounded by a white ring. The white tentacles also have a blue hue to them, giving them the appearance of an icy blue color.
The Fire and Ice Zoanthid is a moderately difficult coral to care for, yet they are very common beginner Zoanthids.
My Clementines Zoanthid
The My Clementines Zoanthid is a stunning coral that has a bright orange color with a yellow ring around the polyp and indigo base. They may be one of the smallest Zoanthid species, but they are one of the coolest!
The My Clementines Zoanthid is a moderately difficult coral to care for and challenging to find as they are so popular.
Sunny Delights Palythoa
The Sunny Delights Palythoa is a beautiful Palythoa Coral that has a bright yellow color with a green center and dramatic orange highlights. The polyps are large and have a unique appearance that will make a great addition to any reef tank.
The Sunny Delights Palythoa is a moderately difficult coral to care for, yet it can tolerate a wide range of light levels.
Rasta Zoanthid
The Rasta Zoanthid is a beautiful coral that has a distinctive color pattern of red, yellow, and green. The polyps are small but have a unique appearance that will make a great addition to any reef tank.
The Rasta Zoanthid is a moderately difficult coral to care for and a relatively slow grower, but they are a show-quality coral.
Utter Chaos Palythoa
The Utter Chaos Palythoa is a beautiful coral that is on every reef tank hobbyist’s wishlist. They have a fascinating color pattern of purple, orange, and green swirls that will make a great addition to any reef tank.
The polyps are large and have a unique appearance that is almost psychedelic looking. The Utter Chaos Palythoa is a moderately difficult coral to care for.
Blue Agave People Eater Palythoa
The Blue Agave People Eater Palythoa is a very popular zoanthid coral because the polyps are large and they have a unique morph. It stands out in any reef aquarium with its glowing neon green mouth and striped turquoise skirt.
The Blue Agave People Eater Palythoa is a moderately difficult coral to care for. They are also hard to find and highly sought after, so count yourself lucky if you get your reefing hand on one!
Hornet Zoanthid
The Hornet Zoanthid has been setting the world of reefing on fire since they were first introduced. The polyps are small but they make up for their size with their mesmerizing colors. At Reefco Aquariums, our personal favorite Hornet Zoanthid is the Rainbow Hornet.
The Hornet Zoanthid is a moderately difficult coral to care for and requires stable water parameters. They are probably one of the most expensive Zoanthids on the list because of their rare red and purple morphs. Because of their rare colors, the Hornet Zoanthid is on most collectors’ wishlists.
Zoa & Palythoa Care
Zoanthid and Palythoa Corals require moderate water flow and low light (PAR 50-150). Blue and actinic color lights are best for showing off their epic coloration.
When it comes to feeding, Zoanthid and Playthoa Corals are photosynthetic and obtain most of their nutrition from the aquarium lighting. However, it is recommended to feed them small pieces of meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or cyclops.
The optimal parameters for Zoanthids and Palythoa corals are a temperature range of 75-79 °F, a pH level of 8.1-8.4, and a specific gravity of 1.023-1.025.
To propagate Zoanthids or Palythoas, you can cut off a section of the colony and attach it to a rock. It will quickly grow into a new colony.
Conclusion
Zoanthids and Palythoa are great additions to any reef tank. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns, making them a popular choice for both beginner hobbyists and rare coral collectors.
The top 10 Zoanthids and Palythoa corals that we have discussed are all relatively easy to care for and propagate. By following the recommended water parameters and feeding schedule, you can enjoy these beautiful corals in your aquarium for years to come.
