Daisy Cutters Zoa Care Guide
Daisy Cutters Zoa (Zoanthus sp. 'Daisy Cutters') is a photosynthetic zoanthid morph kept in reef aquariums under moderate light and low flow; like all zoanthids it may contain palytoxin.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Daisy Cutters Zoa (Zoanthus sp. 'Daisy Cutters') is a designer Zoanthus morph with a white skirt and a yellow centre. Zoanthus, colloquially called button polyps or "zoas", are colonial polyps of the order Zoantharia. They are zooxanthellate corals: they host symbiotic zooxanthellae and obtain most of their energy from photosynthesis, while also exhibiting fluorescent proteins responsible for their bright colours. Trade morph names such as this one are hobbyist designations, not formal scientific taxa.
Taxonomy
- Order: Zoantharia
- Family: Zoanthidae
- Genus: Zoanthus (Lamarck, 1801)
- Trade morph: Zoanthus sp. 'Daisy Cutters'
Habitat
Wild Zoanthus colonies spread across hard substrate on reefs, often forming brightly coloured mats that can cover a rock. Aquarium specimens of designer morphs are aquacultured rather than wild-collected.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: 1.024-1.026 specific gravity
- Carbonate hardness: 8-11 dKH
- Calcium: 380-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Phosphate: below 0.1 ppm
- Nitrate: below 15 ppm
- Minimum tank maturity: ~3 months
Lighting and flow
Zoanthids do well under low to moderate lighting, with roughly 50-150 PAR suiting this morph. They prefer moderate, indirect water flow that keeps debris off the colony without blasting the polyps flat; this shard lists a low flow requirement. New lighting should be increased gradually to avoid light shock.
Feeding
As a photosynthetic coral it derives its primary nutrition from its zooxanthellae. It can additionally benefit from amino acids and fine particulate reef foods dosed to the water column, though supplemental feeding is optional.
Compatibility and growth
It is passive and lacks aggressive stinging tentacles, and is considered reef-, shrimp- and fish-safe. Reported growth is about 0.4-1.0 cm per month. Care difficulty is rated beginner.
Daisy Cutters Zoa Propagation Guide
Overview
Daisy Cutters is a designer Zoanthus morph recognised by its white skirt and yellow centre, recalling a daisy flower. It belongs to the genus Zoanthus (family Zoanthidae) and grows as a colony of button polyps joined by a common tissue mat. Because the colony is photosynthetic and spreads steadily over rock under stable reef conditions, it is straightforward to multiply by dividing established growth.
Reproductive Mode
Aquarium increase of this morph is asexual. Polyps bud from the connecting stolon, expanding the colony outward, and propagators harvest portions of that clonal sheet rather than breeding from larvae. This keeps the white-and-yellow pattern intact across daughter colonies.
Fragging / Asexual Propagation
Per Reef Builders, score the tissue around the chosen polyps with a razor blade, then follow the cut with coral cutters until the piece separates, working as close to the base as possible. A frag taken on its plug or disc gives a solid gluing surface and protects the polyps' internal structures.
- Put on gloves and eye protection before working out of water.
- Cut the stolon mat between polyps with a fresh razor blade.
- Follow the line with coral cutters until the frag breaks off near the base.
- Dry the plug and frag base, apply a little glue, and seat the frag gently.
- Return it, blast off mucus with a baster, and allow it to attach and bud.
Conditions for Propagation
- Lighting: 50-150 PAR (medium)
- Flow: low
- Temperature: 24-26 degC
- pH: 8.1-8.4; salinity 1.024-1.026
- Nitrate below 15 ppm, phosphate below 0.1 ppm
Palytoxin Safety
Palytoxin occurs in Zoanthus as well as Palythoa, and home aquarists have been hospitalised after careless handling. With no antidote available, protective gear is the only reliable defence while propagating.
Common Challenges
Glue creeping onto the skirt, cuts that nick the polyp interior, and swinging parameters that keep polyps shut are the typical setbacks. Apply minimal glue, cut cleanly at the base, and hold chemistry steady until fresh polyps emerge.