Fish of the Month!

Zoanthids are a type of matting polyp native to coral reefs and marine environments. Being a less demanding coral it is often seen as a great starter coral with colors ranging from muted to the bright and extravagant colors often seen in display aquariums. The Zoanthid consists of a mat, or stolon, which keeps the polyps firmly attached to rock or sand. The polyps extend during the day to feed, both by catching passing particles and taking in light.

Zoanthids can be kept in a wide variety of aquarium parameters and can readily adapt to just about any saltwater tank. Zoanthids prefer both low or high intensity light, but it is important to acclimate your new corals correctly to avoid bleaching. Bleaching occurs when the coral is exposed to extreme lighting, sudden changes in temperature and high ammonia and nitrite levels. A bleached coral loses its color due to the expulsion of zooxanthellae, a symbiotic algae that allows the coral to take in light for energy. It must then rely solely on taking in tiny particles to keep the coral alive until it recovers. Reef Nutrition’s Oyster Feast is a store favorite zoanthid food that can also feed your entire reef. A few drops in the aquariums water column or a diluted mixture sprayed near the corals is enough to keep the polyps alive and thriving. Be sure to keep the bottle refrigerated between uses to ensure a healthy feeding. Do you want endless diversity in your saltwater aquarium with thousands of color options? If so, zoanthids are the coral for you!