Daisy Cutters/Stargazer Zoanthids

Daisy Cutter Zoanthid (Zoanthus sp.) – Description & Care Guide

Description:

The Daisy Cutter Zoanthid is a captivating soft coral, prized for its unique coloration featuring bright green skirts, vibrant orange-red centers, and neon green or yellow mouths. Its striking colors and patterns become intensely fluorescent under actinic lighting, making it a popular choice among zoa collectors. Like other Zoanthids, Daisy Cutters are hardy, fast-growing, and suitable for both beginner and experienced reef keepers.

Care Guide:

• Tank Size: Suitable for nano (10+ gallons) and larger reef tanks.
• Temperament: Peaceful, though it can rapidly spread, potentially outcompeting neighboring corals.
• Lighting: Moderate (PAR 80-200); actinic blue lighting enhances vibrant coloration.
• Flow: Moderate to high – prevents detritus buildup and promotes full polyp extension.
• Placement:
  • Best placed on rockwork, frag racks, or isolated islands to control their spread.
  • Allow sufficient space for growth, or isolate to manage their rapid expansion.
• 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: Daisy Cutter Zoas grow quickly; placing them on isolated rocks helps control spread.
• Coloration Enhancement: Optimal colors develop under blue-dominant LED lighting, intensifying their neon accents.
• Palytoxin Warning: May contain palytoxins; always wear gloves and eye protection when handling or fragging.

Summary:

The Daisy Cutter Zoanthid is a hardy, fast-growing, and visually appealing coral, perfect for adding vivid color and vibrant patterns to reef tanks. With stable water conditions, moderate lighting, and occasional feeding, Daisy Cutters will thrive and form bright, eye-catching colonies in any reef aquarium.