Zoanthid Fragment

Zoanthids are a reef keeping staple, found in a huge range of colours and patterns. These colonial polyps grow together on a mat of tissue, encrusting over rockwork and adding dense patches of colour to the aquascape. They are often simply called "zoas" by hobbyists.

Individual zoanthid polyps are connected by a fleshy base, or coenenchyme. Each polyp has a flat oral disc fringed by a ring of tentacles. In the wild, they grow in a wide range of conditions, from shallow reef flats to deeper slopes. This adaptability is one reason for their success in home aquariums. Their appearance can vary considerably depending on lighting and water flow, with colours often intensifying under ideal conditions.

For care in a home reef, zoanthids are quite forgiving but do best in stable conditions. They thrive under moderate lighting, somewhere in the 75-150 PAR range. Lower light may cause them to stretch, while intense light can cause the polyps to stay closed. They prefer moderate, indirect water flow to keep their surfaces clean without blasting them. While photosynthetic, they can benefit from occasional broadcast feeding of fine particulate foods. Like any coral, maintaining stable alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium is key. It's important to give them space, as they can grow over and smother less aggressive neighbours. Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling zoanthids, as they can contain palytoxin.

Their encrusting nature makes them ideal for covering bare rock or frag plugs. A small colony can grow to cover a surprising amount of area over time, creating a living carpet of colour that moves with the flow of the water. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with a wide variety of other corals and fish, provided the fish are reef-safe and not prone to picking.

This is a WYSIWYG item, so you'll receive the exact specimen pictured.

We take livestock seriously. That's why we don't sell anything we wouldn't be comfortable putting in our own tank.

As we are direct from source, we import and sell direct to the public. This means you can buy with confidence knowing EMA prides itself on excellent handling and conditioning protocols.

Fish

All our fish held in a quarantine system for a minimum of 3 weeks. During this time, regular water changes are performed, and twice daily (or sometimes more) feedings are performed.

Copper is dosed and checked twice a day for ich and velvet.

During this treatment fish are given formalin baths for brooklynella and a minimum of 3 praziquantel doses is performed for flukes.

Coral

Our coral is quarantined for a minimum of 3 weeks, just like fish. During this time, regular water changes are performed, water testing done, and once a month a Fauna Marin ICP Total is performed.

Corals are inspected for pests/general health and are provided with a pest dip once a week for at least 3 weeks.

If we see signs of pests, the quarantine period is extended and/or additional dips are performed

If coral is bleached/unhealthy, it will remain in quarantine until healthy enough to sell.