What’s going on Salt Nation?! Jeff Hesketh Here and today I wanted to give you the Top 10 Zoanthids and Palythoas available on the market today. Before we get into that I wanted to tell you about a new article I wrote titled “A Beginners Guide For Success With Zoanthids“, it covers everything you need to know about zoanthids so if you are interested in learning more about Zoanthids, check it out.
Top 10 Zoanthids and Palythoas
Zoanthids come in a variety of different colonizing formations and in numerous colors often referred to as morphs. Zoas are amongst the most commonly collected coral in the saltwater aquarium hobby. They are easily propagated and are know for being very hardy to a variety of water parameters. This makes them a great soft coralfor beginners.
Some zoanthids many contain the dangerously toxic substance known as Palytoxin. Palytoxin is one of the most toxic organic substances found in the world, even in small quantities. Great care should be taken when with zoanthids, palytoxin can be fatal should it enters the blood stream.
I recommend that all hobbyist (experienced or not) should wear personal protective equipment (PPE), when handling these beautiful soft corals.
personal protective equipment:
- Face shield or safety glasses.
- latex gloves.
For more information on Zoanthid care.
Top 10 Zoanthids Morphs:
#10. Orange Bam Bam Zoanthids.Orange Bam Bam Zoa is not a very common coral found in a reef tank, but these Zoanthids will make a stunning addition. Competitively priced at $8.00 a polyp is hard to say no.
Colors: Orange (mouth), Orange (oral disc), Orange (skirt).
Growth Rate: Many
#9. Blueberry Field Zoanthids. Blue Field Zoanthids are probably the most under rated zoanthids available to saltwater aquarium hobbyist today. I seen this beautiful zoanthid sale for as low as $10.00 for 5 polyp frag.
Colors: Blue (mouth), Blue (oral disc), green (skirt).
Growth Rate: Many
#8. Fire and Ice Zoanthids.Fire and Ice are a beautiful species of Zoanthid that are sought after for their brilliant steel blue and red coloration. Aquacultered Fire and Ice Zoas tend to do best in the aquarium environment.
Colors: Blue (mouth), Blue (oral disc,) Red (skirt).
Growth Rate: Many
#7. Sunny Delight Palythoa (AKA Sunny D’s). Is a beautiful palythoa. They get their name from their bright green body with intese orange highlights. They tolerate a wide range of light levels and appreciate low to medium flow. Selling for a avg. cost of 25.00 a polyp
Colors: Bule (mouth), Orange and green (oral disc), Blue (skirt).
Growth Rate: Many
#6. The Rasta Zoa. Rasta Zoanthids is a beautiful Green and Orange with a metallic-like shimmer that is sure to please the eye. This is also one of the more saught after zoanthids. I’ve seen Them sell for $10.00 to 50.00 a polyp.
Colors: Blue (mouth), Orange and green (oral disc), Blue (skirt).
Growth Rate: Many hobbyist have reported an avg. growth rate of one polyp per month.
#5. My Clementines Zoanthids are a relativity small zoanthid that grows rapidly. There punch of colors will compliant any saltwater aquarium well. I’ve seen Them sell for $10.00 to 40.00 a polyp.
Colors: Orange (mouth), Blue (oral disc), Orange (skirt).
Growth Rate: Many hobbyist have reported an avg. growth rate of one polyp per month.
#4. Utter Chaos
Colors: Blue and pink (oral disc), Orange (skirt).
Growth Rate: Many
#3. Blue Agave People Eater Pallys.The coral clearly stands out against other polyps, like the one sitting immediately next to it that just pales in comparison. Its skirt is highlighted with faint touches of turquoise, while the mouth is glowing neon green. These bad boys sale for a solid 25.oo a polyp.
Colors: The picture probably would explain it better 🙂
Growth Rate: Many
#2. Fruit Loops Zoanthids. Fruit Loops Zoa are from another world. Blue, green and orange too, they’re sure to knock your socks off. Selling for an average price of $15 per polyp. Although they consider hardy, they have been known to take their time to a new aquarium. Hobbyist have reported them taking up to two weeks to open up after shipment.
Colors: Blue (mouth), green (oral disc), orange (skirt).
Growth Rate: Many hobbyist have reported an avg. growth rate of two polyp per month.
#1. Purple Hornet Zoathinds.It’s hard to imagine that such a coral could be real. When first introduced this zoanthid set the world of reef tanks, on fire. Selling upwards of $70.00 per polyp. One Ebay listing’s wining bid was as high as $305.00 for a single polyp.
Colors: Purple (mouth) with Lime Green highlight, Purple (oral disc), Purple and Lime Green alternating (skirt).
Growth Rate: Many hobbyist have reported an avg. growth rate of one polyp per month.
Buying Aquacultured Zoanthids.
I recommend all hobbyist to consider buying aquacultured
In the end, aquaculture is a win win for everyone involved. By supporting aquacultured marine life we will be helping preserve the environment, and strengthening our communities with local jobs by investing our money closer to home.
My challenge to you, as you grow as a hobbyist is to simply inform yourself, educate others, buy aqua-cultured marine life when possible and by doing so will become a proactive representative for responsible reef keeping.
If you have any questions feel free to contact me at: here
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