The Mandarin Orange Zoanthid, especially from Fiji, is a vibrant and hardy zoanthid coral, ideal for reef tanks.
The Mandarin Zoas have a bright, fluorescent yellow/orange flanked by a bright purple ring and ending in fiery orange skirts. A must have for any collector. Each frag will have 4-6 polyps.
This slower growing zoanthid species is a great choice for beginners and experts alike.
This Zoanthid species originated in the indopacific around islands like Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef.
When handling this coral make sure to check for open cuts that may be exposed to this coral or wear gloves and eyewear to avoid palytoxins (a neurotoxin that can cause irritant to the skin and in rare situations have deadly consequences).
Here are some key care tips:
Lighting:
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Moderate to high lighting is ideal, though they are adaptable. Use LED or T5 lighting for optimal color and growth.
- Gradually acclimate to higher light intensities to avoid light shock.
Water Flow:
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Moderate water flow works best. It should be enough to keep detritus off but not too strong to avoid damaging the polyps.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
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Salinity: 1.023–1.025 (35 ppt)
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Nitrates: <10 ppm (low nitrates prevent algae issues)
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Phosphates: <0.03 ppm
Placement:
- Place them in mid to lower regions of the tank under moderate lighting. If they stretch, they may need more light.
- Allow space between them and aggressive corals to avoid competition.
Feeding:
- Though they mainly rely on photosynthesis, occasional target feeding with zooplankton or coral food can encourage faster growth.
Maintenance:
- Ensure stable water parameters and clean water to prevent the growth of nuisance algae.
- Fragging is easy if you want to propagate them, as they spread well over rocks.
Regular monitoring and keeping an eye on potential pests like nudibranchs or zoa-eating sundial snails will keep your Mandarin Orange Zoanthids healthy and thriving.
