Common Name: Zoanthids, Zoo’s

Scientific Name: Protopalythoa Spp.

Tank Size: 1 Gallon Nano-Reefs or bigger

Lighting: Prefers moderate to high lighting

Reef Compatibility:

An Exceptionally hardy coral with minimal aggressive tendencies often loosing out to almost any battle between corals in the Reef-Tank.

Feeding:

Zooxanthellate, but may benefit from occasional feeding of Artemia within the reef tank.

Size: Colonies can reach up to 12” plus.

Summary:

A very hardy and durable coral most often found in shallow reefs in the wild. Size of coral polyps will range from ¼ - ½ inch in diameter on a short stubby stalk much like a small mushroom. The polyps will often extend from a mat of tissue that forms as it over grows rocks and reef rubble. Colors range from drab Greens and Browns to brilliant Reds, Oranges, Pinks and Blues. These do best in brightly lit tanks with moderate current. These corals will when healthy rapidly spread over existing rock and colonize adjacent rocks.

WARNING!!!
Palythoa and Protopalythoa produce powerful Neuro-toxin contained in the slime coating this coral exudes when disturbed. It can be very deadly to fish and inverts that pick at these corals. This toxin although rarely fatal, is often in concentrations high enough to cause serious bodily harm to humans. Wear gloves or handle with utensils when working with this coral. Wash your hands thoroughly when work with this coral has been completed as an added margin of safety. There is no known reagent to counter-act the effects of this toxin!

Personal Experience:

An exceptional coral for the beginner and old salts alike. Many specimens can be incredibly brilliantly colored, and as such are high in demand and command top dollar depending on rarity of color morph. It’s easy to maintain, durable and it’s easily fragged by the reefer. While they will wear well in any reef they are best suited as a coral for Nano-Reefs requiring minimal space and adding a dazzling splash of color. In my experience these corals do will in moderate lighting all the way to retina frying halides, at least in my tanks.