Halloweens Zoa Care Guide
Halloweens is a fast-growing designer Zoanthus morph with an orange-and-purple skirt; a peaceful, photosynthetic, reef-safe zoanthid for beginners.
Overview
Halloweens is a named aquacultured colour morph of the zoanthid genus Zoanthus, with an orange-and-purple skirt. Zoanthids are colonial polyps that spread to cover rock with brightly coloured circular patterns and are popular for being relatively easy and very colourful. Like other zoanthids it is zooxanthellate and largely powered by photosynthesis.
Taxonomy
- Order: Zoantharia
- Family: Zoanthidae
- Genus: Zoanthus
- Scientific name: Zoanthus sp. 'Halloweens' (aquarium trade morph; not a formal species)
Biology
Zoanthids form encrusting colonies on hard substrate, multiplying polyp by polyp. They obtain energy from their symbiotic zooxanthellae and supplement it by capturing fine food. This morph is aquacultured and tends to grow quickly.
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
Halloweens is rated beginner-friendly and grows readily under moderate, stable lighting with gentle flow. Acclimate it gradually to a new tank's light. Though photosynthetic, it responds well to occasional fine feeding such as amino acids or fine reef foods. Stable water chemistry encourages good colour and rapid spread.
Compatibility
Zoanthids are peaceful and reef-safe, coexisting with fish, shrimp and most corals. Because they spread quickly, give them space so they do not overgrow slower neighbours.