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Zoanthids

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Zoanthids and Palythoas are among the most colorful and fast-growing corals in reef-keeping. Whether you're building a mixed reef, starting your first tank, or curating a collector Zoa garden, these soft corals offer incredible variety, adaptability, and ease of care.

At Top Shelf Aquatics, we grow and maintain a wide range of Zoanthid coral and Palythoa morphs in-house under stable conditions designed to support healthy growth and vibrant coloration. Each frag is fully healed and carefully assessed for polyp behavior, base integrity, and coloration before it’s listed for sale. From ultra-bright collector pieces to beginner-friendly zoas, our selection is ideal for reefers at any level.

While Zoanthids are generally easy to handle, some species can release palytoxin when stressed or fragged, so we recommend wearing gloves when working with them out of water. Each product page includes care notes and lighting guidance to help you choose and grow your zoa garden with confidence.

Are Zoanthids easy to care for?

Yes, Zoanthids and Palythoas are among the most beginner-friendly corals available. They tolerate a wide range of water parameters, grow quickly in stable systems, and adapt well to most lighting setups. Just give them moderate flow and a spot where they can spread, and they’ll typically thrive.

That said, some high-end morphs may respond better to stable nutrient levels and consistent light, so placement and stability can still impact growth rate and coloration.

What lighting and flow do Zoanthids prefer?

Most Zoanthids do well under moderate to high light (PAR 100–250), depending on the morph. Some of the brighter, more fluorescent varieties benefit from higher light intensity and may show more vibrant coloration under blue-spectrum lighting.

Flow should be moderate and varied—strong enough to keep detritus from settling on the colony, but not so intense that the polyps stay closed. If you're unsure, start lower in the tank and gradually move the frag upward over time.

Do Zoanthids contain palytoxin? Are they safe to handle?

Some Zoanthids and especially Palythoas may contain palytoxin, a naturally occurring compound that can be harmful if handled improperly. While the risk is low during everyday tank maintenance, we strongly recommend wearing gloves and eye protection when fragging, cutting, or handling large colonies outside the water.

Never expose them to extreme stress like drying out, crushing, or boiling, and always wash your hands thoroughly after contact. With proper handling, Zoas and Palys are perfectly safe and rewarding to keep.

How fast do Zoanthids grow, and will they take over my tank?

Zoanthids are known for their fast growth and ability to spread across rocks and substrate. In a healthy tank, many morphs will double or triple in size within months. While this makes them a favorite for creating dense Zoa gardens, it's important to give them space—or isolate them if you want to control their spread.

We recommend mounting them on isolated rocks or islands if you're mixing them with slower-growing corals. Regular pruning or fragging can help maintain boundaries and keep your reef balanced.

What should I look for when buying Zoanthids online?

When shopping for Zoanthids or Palythoas, it's important to look beyond just color. A healthy frag should have fully opened polyps, firm tissue around the base, and no signs of melting, detachment, or pest activity. Photos should accurately reflect the coral's actual appearance under normal reef lighting—ideally without filters or saturation edits.

At Top Shelf Aquatics, we maintain our zoas and palys in stable, long-term systems that mimic the conditions of modern reef tanks. Every frag is fully healed, colored up, and held long enough to assess growth and behavior before shipping. We're focused not just on appearance, but on long-term success after it arrives in your tank.

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