AOI Zoanthids

AOI Zoanthid (Zoanthus sp.) – Description & Care Guide

Description:

The AOI Zoanthid is a striking and highly coveted soft coral, renowned for its deep blue centers, contrasting neon green skirts, and a bright green-to-yellow mouth. Under actinic lighting, AOI Zoas radiate a vivid, electric glow that makes them stand out in any reef aquarium. As with other Zoanthids, they are hardy, fast-growing, and beginner-friendly, making them an ideal addition to a variety of reef setups.

Care Guide:

• Tank Size: Suitable for nano (10+ gallons) and larger reef tanks.
• Temperament: Peaceful, but spreads rapidly, potentially overgrowing nearby corals.
• Lighting: Moderate (PAR 80-200); actinic blue lighting enhances vibrant colors.
• Flow: Moderate to high – essential to prevent detritus buildup and promote full polyp extension.
• Placement:
  • Best placed on rockwork, frag racks, or isolated islands.
  • Allow room for spreading or isolate to manage growth.
• Feeding:
  • Primarily relies on photosynthesis via zooxanthellae.
  • Benefits from broadcast feeding with:
    • Reef amino acids
    • Phytoplankton
    • Powdered coral foods (e.g., Reef Roids)
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 74-78°F (23-26°C)
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Salinity: 1.024-1.026
  • Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
  • Calcium: 400-450 ppm
  • Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
  • Nitrate & Phosphate: Low but detectable (NO₃: 5-10 ppm, PO₄: 0.03-0.07 ppm)

Compatibility:

• Very peaceful, suitable near most corals.
• Best kept with other soft corals or non-aggressive LPS.
• Avoid proximity to aggressive corals like Galaxea, Torch, or Hydnophora.

Special Considerations:

• Growth Management: AOI Zoas grow quickly; placing them on isolated rocks helps control their spread.
• Coloration Enhancement: Optimal colors develop under blue-dominant LED lighting.
• Palytoxin Warning: May contain palytoxins; always wear gloves and eye protection when handling or fragging.

Summary:

The AOI Zoanthid is a hardy, fast-growing, and vibrantly colored coral, perfect for adding bold blues and neon greens to reef aquariums. With stable water conditions, moderate lighting, and occasional feeding, AOI Zoas will thrive and create a beautiful, glowing colony in any reef tank.