Cosmoflower Zoa Care Guide
Cosmoflower is a designer Zoanthus morph with a teal skirt and orange center; a photosynthetic, peaceful, reef-safe zoanthid for low-flow placements.
Overview
Cosmoflower is a named aquacultured colour morph of the zoanthid genus Zoanthus, with a metallic teal skirt and an orange center. Zoanthids are colonial polyps that spread to cover rock with brightly coloured circular patterns. Like other zoanthids it is zooxanthellate, hosting symbiotic algae that supply most of its energy through photosynthesis.
Taxonomy
- Order: Zoantharia
- Family: Zoanthidae
- Genus: Zoanthus
- Scientific name: Zoanthus sp. 'Cosmoflower' (aquarium trade morph; not a formal species)
Biology
Zoanthids form encrusting colonies on hard substrate, spreading polyp by polyp. They are photosynthetic through their zooxanthellae but also capture fine particulate food. This morph is aquacultured rather than wild-collected.
Reef tank requirements
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Alkalinity (dKH): 8-11
- Calcium: 380-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Lighting: 50-150 PAR (medium)
- Flow: low
- Recommended tank maturity: about 3 months
Care
Cosmoflower is rated intermediate. Keep it under moderate, stable lighting and gentle flow, and acclimate it gradually to a new tank's light. Although photosynthetic, it benefits from occasional fine feeding such as amino acids or fine reef foods a couple of times a week. Stable parameters and a matured tank promote good polyp extension and colour.
Compatibility
Zoanthids are peaceful and considered reef-safe, coexisting with fish, shrimp and most corals. They lack strong stinging tentacles but can spread over neighbours, so leave room between colonies.